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JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


PBO^JPCIAL   SYNOD 


UNITED  BRETHREN'S  CHURCH 


IN  THE  NORTHERN  SECTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  N.  A. 


HELD  AT  BETHLEHEM,  PA., 


FROM  THE   2nd    TO   THE  23d  OF   MAI, 


1855. 


BETHLEHEM: 

PRINTED  BY  J.   W.   HELD, 
1855. 


f 


HELD  AT  BETHLEHEM, 

FROM  THE  r  TO  THE  23d  OF  MAY,  1855. 


FIRST  SESSION. 

Wednesday,  May  2nd,  9  A.  M. — 53  members  present. 

Synod  met  in  the  old  Church  Edifice  of  the  Bethlehem  Congregation. — 
The  exercises  were  opened  by  singing  the  following  hymns : — 

"  Oyitt  bcincr  ticfcctt  Dtafoc,"  tt.  f.  ». 

"  Ruler  of  thy  Congregation"  etc. 

"  Be  especially  entreated"  etc. 

"  ©u  trcucr  Jgausljm  frcr  ©cmeinc  "  u.  f.  n>. 

Whereupon  Br.  Jacobson — the  President — offered  a  fervent  prayer  to  the 
Head  of  the  Church,  beseeching  him  to  be  in  our  midst,  and  to  direct  and 
bless  our  deliberations  &c,  after  which  the  brethren  joined  in  singing  the 
verse  :  "  Jpcbc  ciuf  tic  burdjgcgrafeencn  Jfr&libt"  U.  f.  vo. 

The  texts  of  the  day  were  then  read,  and  the  substance  of  the  daily  word 
enlarged  upon  in  an  address  to  the  Synod. 

The  following  letter  from  the  U.  E.  C.  to  our  Provincial  Synod  was 
next  communicated. 

%n  t>te  gut  tyto$in$iah  ®\)nobt  fceS  norMicfcett  SScgtrfS  ber 
SRorfcs^lmertfanifcfrcn  SSrubcrgemetnctt  jjcrfammeltett  $8tu* 
ber* 

Jp  e  r  $  t  i  d)  a,  e  t  i  e  b  t  e  35  r  u  b  e  r ! 

©nabe  fei  mit  Gtud)  unb  ftriebe  j?on  ©oft,  unferm  23ater,  unb  tern 
#errn  3efu  Qbrifio  !  2>iefer  apojrotifdje  eegenSrounfd)  megettonSaa, 
§u  Sage  an  (Surf)  in  Srfufluna,  a,ehen,  fo  fange  %\)x  511  (Surer  biesjdhri* 
gen  ^rot>in$ial?£*;nobe  uerfammtet  feib,  urn  oor  ten  2Cua,en  ted  iperrn 
ben  Sufranb  ber  irubergemeinen  in  (Surem  Sanbe  mit  etnanber  511  be? 
traii>tcn/  bag  SBofyl  berfelben  ju  berathen,  barauf  ju  benfenr  mie  &U 
tern,  ma§  €d)aben  unb  StbOrud)  getfyan  hat  ober  in  Sufunft  thun 
fonnte,  abgeholfen  unb  gemebrt  merben,  unb  mie  bagegen  Cities,  mas 
$um  mahren  ipeil  ber  ein^elnen  ^eelen  unb  ber  a,an$en  ©emeinen  bits 
nen  fann,  red)t  beforbert  merben  moge.  93iit  bem  aufricfytigen  SK>unfcfy 
unb  ©ebet  $um  ipeilanb,  bajs  biefee  geltnge,  merbet  Sljr  m|ammentre* 
ten,  unb  aud)  roir  merben  unfer  (5>ebet  mit  bem  Surigen  wreinigen, 


4  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

fca  une  fciV3  3Bobl  unb  50Bc^c  Surer  ©emeinen,  eineS  fo  tt)id)tia,en  tfjtia 
lee  Der  et>angeltfc^en  Q5rub«r4lnitdt/  fo  natye  am  Jperjen  lieo,t.  2Bir 
ftnb  ja  ale  cin  befonberer  Sfyetl  ber  attgemeinen  cbriftluben  .ftircbe  2(tte 
©lieber  Sines  2nbt$f  ber  ©emetne,  t>a  3efue  (Sfyrifhie  tag  .fpaupt  iff; 
roir  ftnb  burd)  Stnen  ©cijr  2ltte  $u  Sinem  2etbe  aetaufr,  unb  fo  gin 
©lieb  leibet,  fo  leiben  atte  ©lieber  mit,  unb  fo  (5m  ©lieb  roirb  tjerrltdj 
gefyaltetif  fo  frcuen  fid)  atte  ©liebcr  mit.  £0  roerben  ami)  roir  une 
mit  (£ud)  freuenr  roenn  ber  Jpeilanb  in  Surer  9.)£itte  uncjefeljen  aber 
frdftia,  fitylbar  roanbelt,  felbft  Sure  Q5eratf)una,en  mit  <Seinem  fyeiliam 
©eift,  bem  ©eijre  ber  SSSabrfyeit,  leitet  unb  $um  JBefren  ber  ©emeinen 
ju  einem  3tcl  nacb  eemem  einn  unb  Jperjen  futyret,  unb  bann  in 
itn  ©emeinen  felbft  [egitimirt.  5>ie  Soofuna,  am  Sroffnungstag  Su* 
rer  ^ufammenrunfte  am  2ten  Wtai :  "  sMee,  roa§  ber  Jperr  gefagt  bat, 
rootten  roir  tt)un  unb  gefyordben ;"  (2  9Rof.  24,  7.)  roirb  Suer  ©elubbe 
»or  (55ottf  unferm  Jpeilanb,  fein.  2Sa§  Sr  une  fagt  in  ©einem  fyeili* 
cjen  *5Bortf  bariiber  fyaben  roir  un§  ja  nid)t  mit  ftleifd)  unb  2Mut  ju 
befpred)en,  fonbern  §u$ufal)ren,  Sftin  ?itte$  §u  oerfprecben  unb  Sr  cjibt 
une  in  unferer  €>efyroacfy()ett  bae  ipalten.  Sr  bat  un§  errodblet,  etje 
ber  ®elt  ©runb  geleget  roar,  baft  «>ir  foflten  fein  Ijeilig  unb  unjrrdf* 
licb  »or  3l)m  in  ber  £iebe ;  fo  ftnb  roir  nun  nicbt  mel;r  ©dfte  unb 
Jremblinge/  fonbern  Stirrer  mit  bnx  jpeilia/n,  unb  @otte6  Jpausge* 
noffen,  erbauet  auf  ben  ©runb  ber  2(pojrel  unb  s))ropl)eten,  ba  3>efu$ 
(SJjrijtttS  ber  Scffrein  ijr,  auf  roelcbem  ber  aan$e  sfiau  in  etnanber  $tt 
fiiaet  rodifrfet  ftu  einem  fyertigen  Sempel  in  bem  .jperrn,  auf  roelcfyem 
aucb  3ftr  mit  erbauet  roerbet  ju  einer  Q3efyaufuna,  ©ottee  im  ©eifr. 
©et  .rpeilanb  ertjatte  une  mit  etnanber  oerbunben  nacl)  €>einem  ©ebet : 
^  3cb  in  it)nen  unb  ^u  in  mii>  auf  feaf;  fie  »>ottfommen  fein  in  Since!" 
3a,  laffet  un?  flei^ig  fein  (^u  batten  bie  Sinigfeit  im  ©eift  burd)  t>a§> 
95anb  be6  ^riebene.  Sin  %<ib  unb  Sin  ©eift,  nn'c  roir  aucb  berufen 
ftnb  auf  etnerlei  §offnung  unfers  Q3erufe§  in  Sinem  ©lauben.  3^ 
(ibriftue  ftefle  tins  atte  imma*met;r  3bm  felbft  bar  al?  etne  ©emetner 
bie  l)errtid)  feirbie  nicbt  babe  einen  ^lecfen  ober  Stunjdf  ober  beg  et* 
tca§»  fonbern  ba§  fie  beilia,  fei  unb  unjirdfjicb.  Sr  ejebe  es  un«,  ber 
£unbe  abjufagenr  bie  ber  Seute  SSerberben  i\l,  nid)t  im  eigenen  ©eiile 
ju  wanbeln,  fonbern  n.ubmjacjen  bem  oorije tied' ten  3iet,  bem  Jfletnobf 
welcbee  oorbalt  bie  bimmlifcbe  s^erufung  ©otte§  in  Sfyrifto  3^fu :  Sr 
felbfr  roolle  une  oollbereiten,  ftdrfen,  frdftigen^  ijrunben ! 

<£)ie  ©nabe  unfere  £errn  3^fu  Sbriftt,  unb  Ik  %itbt  ©ottePf  unb 
bie  ©emeinfdvn't  bee  beiliam  ©etfreg  fei  mit  une  'Men,  ?(men! 

3n  berSie6e^emetnfd)aft©ottee  unfers  ipettanbes  t]ruf3en  roir  Sud)^ 
liebe  $>ruber,  aufe  tyxtfityfrt,  ale 

Sure  treu  oerbunbene  Q3rtiber> 

Mc  2!c1tcftctis<ronfercn$  $cr  Unit  at  t 

mniiiian  %&iMy.  mattiyicien, 

Q3ert^el6borf,  ^drj  24,  1855.  $ice^rdfee\ 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  5 

Br.  Kampman  rose,  and  in  the  name  of  the  Congregation  at  Bethlehem, 
expressed  their  sincere  pleasure  and  grateful  sense  of  the  privilege  of  hav- 
ing so  many  of  their  brethren  from  other  places  assembled  in  their  midst, 
and  bade  them  an  affectionate" and  fraternal  welcome. 

Br.  Wolle  of  Bethlehem  was  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Synod  pro  tem. 

It  having  been  proposed  that  the  Synod  proceed  to  the  election  of  Vice 
Presidents,  after  considerable  discussion,  it  was  unanimously 

Resolved  "  That  all  the  officers  be  elected  by  ballot." 

Thereupon  it  was  agreed  that  the  delegates  appointed  by  the  various  con- 
gregations present  their  credentials,  and  that  the  Provincial  Elders'  Confer- 
ence be  the  Committee  to  receive  and  examine  the  same. 

The  Congregations  being  called  up  in  order,  certificates  of  election  were 
handed  in  by  brethren  from  Philadelphia,  Nazareth,  Staten  Island,  Emmaus, 
Schoneck,  Lebanon,  Lancaster,  York,  Hopedale,  Graceham,  Gnadenhiitten, 
Sharon,  Canal  Dover,  Hope,  and  Bethlehem.  The  delegates  from  Litiz, 
New  York  and  Camden  had  not  yet  arrived,  and  the  brother  from  Brooklyn 
had  mislaid  his  papers. — 

A  motion  was  made  and  carried,  to  reconsider  the  vote  concerning  the 
election  of  officers  by  ballot,  whereupon  Br.  Holland  offered  the  following 
resolution,  viz : 

"  Resolved,  That  all  elections  by  this  Synod  shall  be  by  ballot;" 

pending  the  consideration  of  which  resolution,  Synod  agreed  to  take  a  re- 
cess of  fifteen  minutes  to  enable  the  Committee  on  Credentials  to  examine 
the  same. 

After  recess,  the  Committee  on  Credentials  reported  that  they  had  found 
all  presented  to  them  to  be  correct,  and  that  the  following  brethren  were 
present,  and  entitled  to  seats  in  this  Provincial  Synod,  viz  : 

Members  of  {  Rt'  ReV'  J°hn  C'  Jacobson- 

Provincial  Elders'  Conference.  )  5ev'  ™*P  H'G™V?\ 
(  Rev.  Charles  F.  Seidel. 

Rev.  Lewis  F.  Kampman. 

Rev.  Sylvester  Wolle. 

E.  F.  Bleck. 

Bethlehem,  Pa.  J  Jacob  Rice. 

C.  A.  Luckenbach. 

William  L.  Brown. 

Jedediah  Weiss. 

C.  E.  Peisert. 

'  Rev.  William  L.  Lennert. 

Rev.  Edward  H.  Reichel. 

Nazareth,  Pa.  1  Rev.  William  Eberman. 

|  C.  D.  Busse. 

(_  John  C.  Leibfried. 

fvtfiV    Vn  S  ^ev-  Samuel  Reinke. 

****'  (  Rev.  J.  T.  Bechler. 

i  Rev.  Henry  A.  Shultz. 

Lancaster,  Pa.  1  Joseph  Eberman. 

(  George  Reed. 


JOURNAL  Of   THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 


Philadelphia. 
New  York. 
Lebanon,  Pa. 

York,  Pa. 

Schoeneck,  Pa. 

Hoped  ale,  Pa. 
Graceham,  Md. 

Slaten  Island,  N.Y. 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Gnadenhuetten,  Ohio. 

Canal  Dover,  Ohio. 

Sharon,  Ohio. 

Hope,  Indiana . 
Camden,  N.  Y. 
Emmaus,  Pa. 


C  Rev.  Edm.  de  Schweinitz. 

<  Francis  Jordan. 
(  George  Perkin. 

Rev.  David  Bigler. 
(  Rev.  T.  Wunderling. 
?  John  Graeff. 
(  Robert  Evans. 
c  Rev.  F.  F.  Hagen. 

<  George  Heckert. 
(  John  Fahs. 

(  Rev.  George  F.  Troeger. 
(  John  A.  Edmonds. 

Rev.  G.  Oehler. 

Rev.  B.  Ricksecker. 
C  Rev.  A.  A.  Reinke. 
(  Lawrence  Cortelyou. 
$  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Kummer. 
i  Thomas  Harvey. 
C  Rev.  Henry  Bachman. 

<  Isaac  Blickensderfer. 
(  Joshua  Micksch. 

C  Rt.  Rev.  Peter  Wolle. 

<  Jacob  Blickensderfer,  Sr. 
(  William  Rickert. 

C  Rev.  F.  A.  Holland. 

<  Jacob  Blickensderfer,  Jr. 
(  Samuel  Knauss. 

(  Rev.  Henry  G.  Clauder. 
1  David  Weinland. 
I  Philip  Blum. 

Rev.  Charles  Barstow. 
C  Rev.  John  Regenass. 
1  Samuel  Christ. 
/  F.  Yobst. 


A  motion  was  made  and  carried,  that  the  Rules  of  the  Provincial  Synod 
of  1849  be  adopted  for  the  government  of  this  body,  until  otherwise  order- 
ed, and  that  they  be  now  read. 

The  President  hereupon  read  the  Rules. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck  said  Rules  were  referred  to  a  Committee  of  Three 
for  revision. 

The  Brethren  Luckenbach,  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  and  Bleck  were  ap- 
pointed by  the  President  to  constitute  this  Committee. 

Synod  then  proceeded  to  the  election  of  two  Vice  Presidents. 

The  question  being  raised  whether  Br.  Evans,  who  had  failed  to  present 
his  credentials,  was  entitled  to  a  seat,  the  minister  from  Lebanon  stated  that 
said  brother,  had  been  duly  elected  ;  whereupon  on  motion  it  was  unani- 
mously resolved  that  Br.  Evans  be  received  as  a  full  member. 

Upon  a  count  of  the  ballots,  it  appeared,  that  the  brethren  Seidcl  and  Goepp 
were  duly  elected  Vice  Presidents. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  rROVJNCIAL  SYNOD.  7 

The  subject  of  the  permanent  Secretaryship   to  this  body  being  under 
consideration  on  motion  of  Br.  Holland,  it  was 

"Resolved,  That  a  brother,  not  a  member  of  this  Synod,  be 
appointed  to  the  office. " 

Br.  Rice  moved,  "that  the  President  be  requested  to  procure  the  servi- 
ces of  some  competent  person  to  serve  as  Secretary  to  this  Synod,  on  such 
terms  as  he  shall  see  fit ;"  but  before  the  discussion  on  tins  subject  was  con- 
cluded, a  motion  to  adjourn  prevailed. 

Synod  adjourned  after  singing,  "  .£>crr  3cf«,  jet  art  jctcm  Xa$ ,"  u.  f.  W. 


SECOND  SESSION. 
2  1-2  o'clock,  p.  M. — 58  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Bless  our  covenanting  together"  etc. 

The  delegates  from  Litiz,  viz  :  the  brethren  Jacob  B.  Tschudy,  John  W. 
Rauch,  and  Timothy  Masslich,  appeared,  presented  their  credentials,  which 
were  found  correct,  and  took  their  seats. 

Br.  Reinke  (Litiz)  moved  that  Br.  Bahnson,  the  delegate  appointed  by 
the  Provincial  Helpers'  Conference  of  the  Southern  Province  of  our  Ameri- 
can Church,  to  attend  this  Synod,  be  admitted  as  an  advisory  member. 

An  amendment  having  been  offered,  viz :  "  that  said  delegate  have  the 
privilege  to  vote," — Br.  Bahnson  explained  his  position,  and  at  his  request 
the  amendment  was  withdrawn. 

The  original  motion  was  then  unanimously   agreed  to. 

The  subject  of  admitting  persons  to  the  deliberations  of  Synod,  having 
been  brought  up,  after  considerable  discussion,  on  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz, 
it  was  finally 

"Resolved,  That  this  Synod  be  held  with  open  doors." — 

Br.  Weiss  was  elected  doorkeeper. 

Br.  Goepp  then  moved  "  that  we  take  as  a  guide  to  our  deliberations  the 
Results  of  the  Provincial  Conference  of  1847,  as  modified  by  those  of  the 
General  Synod  of  1848,  and  of  the  Provincial  Synod  of  1849."   Agreed  to. 

Br.  Goepp  next  submitted  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions,  viz  : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

"  Whereas,  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference  in  Berthelsdorf 
have  officially  declared  their  willingness  to  take  the  necess- 
ary steps  for  the  convocation  of  a  general  Synod  of  the 
United  Brethren's  Church,  either  in  1857,  '58  or  '59,  in 
case  the  Results  of  this  present  Provincial  Synod  should  be 
of  such  a  nature  as  in  their  opinion,  constitutionally  to 
warrant  the  taking  of  such  steps, — Therefore  be  it 
Resolved, 

1.  That  this  present  Provincial  Synod  is  authorized,  and  it  is 
the  duty  of  the  same  to  take  the  whole  of  the  constitution 
and  principles  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  into  ma- 
ture and  prayerful  consideration,  and  to  pass  resolutions  re- 
lating to  the  same,  either  sanctioning  the  resolutions  of 
former  Synods,  or  modifying  and  altering  the  same,  or  sub- 
stituting entirely  new  ones,  and  that  it  shall  be  expressly 
understood  that  this  present  Synod,  as  to  its  deliberations, 
be  not  limited  by  any  reference  or  regard  to  the  existing 
rules  and  constitution  of  our  Church,  otherwise  than  shall 
be  deemed  good  and  necessary  by  the  Synod  itself,  and  that 
the  same 'be  'by  the  grace  of  God  exclusively  governed  by 
an  earnest  and  prayerful  consideration  of  the  mercy  and 
divine  directions  of  Him,  who  is  the  only  Head  of  the 
Church,  and  by  a  faithful  observance  of  his  commandments 
as  revealed  to  us  in  Holy  Scripture. 

2.  That  the  principles  and  rules  of  the  constitution  of  our 
Church  so  proposed  and  resolved  upon  by  this  present  Syn- 
od, be  embodied  into  a  full  report,  and  that,  as  far  as  the 
same,  under  our  present  constitution  cannot  be  carried  out 
nor  acted  upon,  unless  approved  of  either  by  the  Unity's 
Elders'  Conference,  or  by  a  General  Synod  of  our  Church, 
they  be  laid  before  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference  at  Ber- 
thelsdorf. 

3.  That'in  the  meantime  the  results  of  this  present  Synod  so 
laid  down  be  published  by  printing,  in  English  and  Ger- 
man, for  the  use  of  all  the  members  of  our  Church,  but 
that  the  same,  excepting  such  resolutions  as  may  be  earri-ed 
out  immediately,  without  being  constitutionally  subject  to 
the  sanction  either  of  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference,  or 
of  a  General  Synod,  be  not  considered  conclusive,  but  sub- 
ject to|be  revised,  sanctioned  or  modified  by  another  Pro- 
vincial Synod  to  be  convened  in  the  fall  of  the  year  1856. 

4.  That  as  soon  as  convenient  after  the  commencement  of  the 
sittings  of  the  Synod,  a  brother  be  appointed,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  prepare  a  report  embodying  the  resolutions  of 
the  Synod  under  their  proper  heads,  and  to  lay  the  same 
before  the  .Synod  for  its  approval. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  9 

These  resolutions  were  laid  on  the  table,  in  order  to  have  them  printed 
for  the  use  of  members. 

Br.  Bechler  moved  that  a  Committee  of  Two  on  Printing,  be  appointed 
by  the  President,  and  the  motion  being  agreed  to,  the  President  appointed 
the  brethren  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  and  Shultz,  to  be  said  Committee. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Luckenbach  it  was  agreed,  that  Synod  meet  daily  at 
8  1-2  o'clock  A.  M.  and  adjourn  at  noon,  and  again  at  2  P.  M.  to  adjourn 
at  5  o'clock. 

Likewise  that  each  Session  be  opened  with  singing  and  prayer. 

Br.  Rice  renewed  his  motion  of  the  first  Session,  in  reference  to  procuring 
the  services  of  some  competent  person  to  act  as  Secretary. 

Br.  Bleck  offered  by  way  of  amendment  "  that  we  go  forthwith  into  the 
nomination  and  election  of  a  Secretary  to  this  Synod  ;" — which  amendment 
was  accepted,  and  agreed  to. 

The  brethren  W.  Th.  Roepper  and  Wm.  C.  Reichel  having  been  nomi- 
nated the  election  was  held  by  ballot,  and  on  counting  the  vote  it  appeared 
that  Br.  Roepper  was  chosen. 

Whereupon  on  motion,  it  was 

"  Resolved,  That  Br.  Roepper  be  declared  unanimously,  elected." 

After  singing  :  "  Lord  thy  body  ne'er  forsake,"  &c,  Synod  adjourned.  — 


THIRD  SESSION. 

Thursday,  May  3d.,  8i  o'clock,  A.  M. — 50  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Be  present  with  thy  servants,  Lord,"  &c. — 
Prayer  by  Br.  Wolle.  (Litiz.) — Texts  of  the  day  read. 

The  President  announced  that  Br.  John  Egbert  from  Staten  Island  had 
arrived.  Having  presented  his  credentials  they  were  found  correct,  and  he 
took  his  seat. 

The  minutes  of  yesterday's  Sessions  were  read,  amended  and  approved. 

A  letter  from  Br.  Roepper,  respectfully  declining  the  office  of  Secretary, 
was  communicated  by  the  President. 

Synod  then  proceeded  to  the  nomination  of  a  Secretary,  and  Br.  Wm.  C. 
Reichel  having  been  nominated,  and  the  nominations  closed,  Br.  Bleck  moved 
"  that  Synod  declare  Br.  Reichel  unanimously  elected."     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Goepp  having  moved,  "that  after  the  reading  of  the  daily  minutes,  the 
roll  shall  be  called  ;"  after  some  objections  had  been  heard, 

Br.  Holland  moved,  "  that  this  matter  be  laid  on  the  table,  and  reports  of 
Committees  be  called."     Agreed  to. 

The  Committee  to  whom  had  been  referred  the  revision  of  the  rules,  then 
reported  the  following 
2 


10  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

RULES  OF  ORDER  FOR  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD  OF 

1855. 

DUTIES   AND   PRIVILEGES   OF  THE   PRESIDENT. 

Rule  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  preserve  order,  and  to  en- 
deavor to  conduct  all  business  before  Synod  to  a  speedy  and  proper  re- 
sult. He  shall  state  every  case  properly  presented  to  Synod,  and  be- 
fore putting  it  to  vote,  shall  ask  ;  "  Is  the  Synod  ready  for  the  question]" 
He  shall  announce  all  votes  and  decisions. 

Rule  2.  In  case  the  Synod  shall  be  equally  divided  on  any  question,  it 
shall  be  considered  lost. 

Rule  3.  The  President  may  speak  to  points  of  order  in  preference  to  other 
members  of  the  Synod  ;  and  shall  decide  questions  of  order,  subject  to 
an  appeal  to  the  Synod  by  any  member,  which  appeal  shall  always  be 
in  writing.     On  such  an  appeal  no  brother  shall  speak  more  than  once. 

Rule  4.  When  an  appeal  is  made  from  the  decision  of  the  President,  he 
shall  put  the  question  thus  : — "  Shall  the  decision  of  the  chair  stand  as 
the  judgment  of  the  Synod]" — 

Rule  5.  The  President  shall  appoint  all  Committees  unless  the  Synod 
shall  otherwise  direct. 

Rule  6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presiding  officer,  and  the  privilege  of 
any  member  of  Synod  to  call  a  member  to  order,  who  violates  an  es- 
tablished rule  of  order. 

DUTIES   OF   THE   SECRETARY. 

Rule  7.  The  name  of  a  brother  offering  a  resolution,  proposition,  or 
amendment,  shall  be  entered  on  the  Journal,  by  the  Secretary. 

Rule  8.  The  Secretary  shall  enter  upon  the  Journal  every  resolution  or 
proposal  submitted  to  the  Synod,  or  report  made  by  a  Committee  in  the 
words  in  which  it  was  submitted  by  the  mover,  or  presented  by  the 
Committee  :  also  all  amendments  offered,  whether  adopted  or  rejected  ; 
and  before  the  final  vote  is  taken  on  any  resolution,  proposition  or  re- 
port, which  may  have  been  amended,  it  shall  be  again  entered  in  the 
words  on  which  the  final  vote  is  taken,  unless  the  amendments  can  be 
readily  supplied  from  the  journal  without  such  re-entry. 

MOTIONS. 

Rum  9.     A  motion  must  be  seconded,  and   afterwards  repeated  from  the 

choir,  or  read  aloud  before  it  is  debated. — A  motion  shall  be  reduced  to 

writing,  if  any  brother  require  it. 
Rule  10.   All  resolutions  shall  be  submitted  in  writing. 
Rulf.  11.  Any  brother  having  made  a  motion,  may  withdraw  it  with  leave 

of  bis  second,  before  it  is  debated,  but  not  afterwards  without  leave  of 

th>  Synod. 
Rule  12.  A  motion  to  amend  an  amendment  shall  be  in  order,  but  to  amend 

an  amendment  to  an  amendment  shall  not  be  entertained. 
Rule  13.  An  amendment  destroying,  or  altering  the  intention  of  a  motion 

shall  be  in  order ;  but  an  amendment  relating  to  a  different  subject  shall 

not  be  iu  order. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  11 

Rule  14.  On  an  amendment  to  "  strike  out  and  insert,"  the  paragraph  to 
be  amended  shall  first  be  read  as  it  stands,  then  the  words  proposed  to 
be  struck  out  and  those  to  be  inserted,  and  finally  the  paragraph  as  it 
would  stand,  if  so  amended. 

Rule  15.  On  a  call  for  the  division  of  the  question,  the  majority  shall  de- 
cide. The  call  can  only  be  granted  when  the  division  called  for  will 
leave  distinct  and  entire  propositions. 

DEBATE. 


Rule  16.  When  a  member  speaks,  or  offers  a  motion,  he  shall  rise  in  his 
place,  and  respectfully  addressing  the  chair,  confine  himself  to  the  ques- 
tion under  consideration. 

Rule  17.  When  a  member  is  called  to  order,  he  shall  take  his  seat  until  the 
point  is  determined. 

Rule  18.  When  two  or  more  members  rise  to  speak  at  the  same  time,  the 
presiding  officer  shall  decide  who  is  entitled  to  the  floor. 

Rule  19.  While  a  brother  is  speaking,  no  one  shall  interrupt  him,  except 
for  the  purpose  of  calling  him  to  order,  or  asking  of  the  presiding  offi- 
cer leave  to  explain,  or  to  call  the  previous  question.— A  brother  allow- 
ed "  to  explain,"  shall  only  have  the  right  to  explain  an  actual  misun- 
derstanding of  language,  and  shall  be  strictly  prohibited  from  going  in- 
to debate  on  the  merits  of  the  case. 

Rule  20.  For  any  brother  in  speaking  to  impeach  the  motives  of  a  fellow- 
member,  or  treat  him  with  personal  disrespect,  or  pass  between  him  and 
the  chair  while  he  is  speaking,  shall  be  deemed  a  violation  of  order. 

Rule  21.  Any  conversation,  by  whispering  or  otherwise,  which  is  calculated 
to  disturb  a  brother  while  speaking,  or  hinder  the  transaction  of  business, 
shall  be  deemed  a  violation  of  order. 

PRIVILEGED   QUESTIONS. 

Rule  22.  When  a  question  is  before  the  Synod,  the  only  motions  in  order 
shall  be  1st,  to  adjourn;  2d,  the  previons  question;  3d,  to  lay  on  the 
table  ;  4th,  to  postpone  indefinitely  ;  5th,  to  postpone  to  a  definite  per- 
iod ;  6th,  to  refer  ;  7th,  to  divide,  if  the  sense  will  admit  of  it ;  or  8th, 
to  amend — to  take  precedence  as  herein  arranged,  and  the  first  three  to 
be  decided  without  debate. 

Rule  23.  When  the  previous  question  is  moved,  and  sustained  by  five  other 
members,  it  shall  be  put  in  this  form :  "  Shall  the  main  question  be 
now  put?"  If  this  is  carried,  all  further  motions,  amendments,  and  de- 
bate shall  be  excluded,  and  the  question  be  put  without  delay.  If  the 
question  has  been  amended,  the  question  shall  be  taken  on  the  amend- 
ment first ;  if  more  than  one  amendment  has  been  made,  the  last  made 
amendment  in  order  shall  take  precedence  in  the  vote.  It  shall  not 
be  in  order  to  reconsider  the  agreement  to  take  the  previous  question. 

Rule  24.  When  a  motion  is  postponed  indefinitely,  it  shall  not  come  up 
again  during  the  sitting  of  the  present  Synod. 


12  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

ADJOURNMENT. 

Rule  25.  A  motion  to  adjourn  shall  always  be  in  order,  except  1st,  when  a 
member  is  in  possession  of  the  floor  ;  2nd,  when  the  yeas  and  nays  are 
being  called ;  3d,  when  the  members  are  voting ;  4th,  when  adjourn- 
ment was  the  last  preceding  motion  ;  or  5th,  when  it  has  been  decided 
that  the  previous  question  shall  be  taken. 

Rule  26.  A  motion  to  adjourn  simply  cannot  be  amended,  but  a  motion  to 
adjourn  to  a  given  time  may  be,  and  is  open  to  debate. 

QUESTIONS  NOT  DEBATABLE. 

Rule  27. — I.  A  motion  to  adjourn,  when  to  adjourn  simply.  2.  A  motion 
to  lay  on  the  table,  when  claiming  privilege  over  another  motion.  3. 
A  motion  for  the  previous  question.  4.  A  motion  to  reconsider.  5.  A 
motion  to  read  a  paper.  6.  Questions  of  order  whilst  the  previous 
question  is  pending.  7.  Questions  of  order  when  not  appealed  from 
the  decision  of  the  President. 

READING   OP  PAPERS. 

Rule  28.  The  reading  of  any  paper  called  for  relating  to  the  subject  under 
debate,  shall  always  be  in  order. 

TAKING   THE   VOTE. 

Rule  29.  When  the  presiding  officer  has  commenced  taking  the  vote,  no 
further  debate  or  remark  shall  be  admitted,  unless  a  mistake  has  been 
made ;  in  which  case  the  mistake  shall  be  rectified,  and  the  presiding 
officer  shall  recommence  taking  the  vote. 

Rule  30.  The  yeas  and  nays  upon  any  question  before  the  Synod  may  be 
called  for  by  two  members,  and  when  so  called,  shall  be  taken  and  en- 
tered on  the  journal.  They  may  be  called  for  at  any  time  before  the 
announcement  of  the  vote  by  the  chair. 

Rule  31.  In  all  elections  by  ballot,  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  votes 
cast,  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 

Rule  32.  In  voting  by  yeas  and  nays,  all  present  must  vote  unless  excused 
by  the  Synod.     A  motion  to  excuse  shall  be  decided  without  debate. 

FILLING   BLANKS. 

Rule  33.  When  any  blank  is  to  be  filled  by  the  names  of  persons,  a  vote 
shall  be  taken  on  the  names  in  the  order  of  their  nomination  ;  but 
when  a  blank  is  to  be  filled  by  any  sum  of  money  or  time  proposed, 
the  question  shall  be  first  put  on  the  largest  sum,  and  the  most  remote 
time. 

RECONSIDERATION. 

Rule  34.  A  question  may  be  reconsidered  at  any  time  not  later  than  the 
day  after  it  was  decided;  but  a  motion  for  reconsideration  being  once 
made  and  decided  in  the  negative,  shall  not  be  renewed. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  13 

Rule  35.  A  motion  to  reconsider  murt  be  made  by  a  member  who  voted  in 
the  majority.  No  question  shall  be  reconsidered  more  than  once  ;  nor 
shall  a  vote  to  reconsider  be  reconsidered. 

COMMITTEES  AND  THEIR  REPORTS. 

Rule  36.  The  brother  first  named  on  the  appointment  of  a  committee  shall 
be  chairman  of  the  same,  and  shall  call  the  committee  together  at  such 
time  and  place  as  he  may  select;  but  when  thus  convened,  any  com- 
mittee may  elect  its  own  chairman  and  secretary. 

Rule  37.  All  reports  of  committees,  except  reports  of  progress,  shall  be 
made  in  writing,  and  signed  by  a  majority. 

Rule  38.  When  a  majority  report  is  followed  by  a  report  from  the  minority 
of  a  committee,  the  former,  after  being  read,  shall  lie  upon  the  table, 
until  the  latter  is  presented  ;  after  which  on  motion,  either  may  be  con- 
sidered. 

Rule  39.  When  a  report  has  been  read,  it  shall  be  considered  as  properly 
before  the  Synod  without  a  motion  to  accept. 

PROTEST. 

Rule  40.  When  one  or  more  members  desire  to  have  their  protest  against 
a  resolution  or  any  other  act  of  the  Synod  inserted  in  the  Journal,  he 
or  they  shall  present  it  in  writing,  with  his  or  their  name  or  names  af- 
fixed, to  the  Secretary  of  the  Synod,  to  be  by  him  entered  on  the  Jour- 
nal. 

The  foregoing  rules  may  at  any  time  be  altered,  amended  or  suspended 
by  a  two-third  vote  of  the  members  present. 


Br.  Shultz  moved  that  Synod  take  up  the  above  report,  section  by  section. 
— Lost. 

Br.  Bleck  moved,  that  it  be  adopted  entire. — 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  the  19th  Rule  was  amended  by 
striking  out  the  words  "  or  to  call  the  previous  question." 

The  Rules  of  order  as  amended  were  then  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  it  was  ordered  that  one  hundred  copies  of  said 
rules  be  printed. 

Br.  Eberman  (Nazareth)  then  rose  to  offer  certain  resolutions,  which  he 
prefaced  by  remarks,  stating  that  they  had  reference  to  the  Government  of 
the  Brethren's  Church. 

The  brethren  Bleck  and  Goepp  objected  to  them,  as  being  out  of  order- 
After  some  discussion,  the  President  decided  that  Br.  Eberman   was  out 
of  order. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  of  yesterday, 
fixing  the  order  of  proceedings.     Lost. 


14  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL   SYNOD. 

^Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  appealed  from  the  decision  of  the  chair,  that 
Br.  Eberman  was  out  of  order. 

The  President  then  withdrew  his  decision,  and  Br.  Eberman  proceeded  to 
read  his  preamble  and  resolutions  : — 

Whereas  the  United  Brethren's  Church  of  the  Northern  Diocese  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  has  for  some  time  past  felt  the  want  of 
a  proper  legislation,  adapted  to  the  well-being  of  this  branch  of  the 
Church,  on  account  of  the  peculiar  circumstances  in  which  it  is  plac- 
ed, in  being  subject  more  or  less,  to  the  final  decisions  of  the  general 
Synods  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  held  in  Germany,  and  sub- 
ordinate to  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference  at  Herrnhut. 

And  whereas  theJAmerican  Branch  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church 
has  been  acknowledged  to  exist,  in  the  granting  of  a  Charter,  by  an 
Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  pass- 
ed on  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  March  A,D.  1851.  viz:  An  Act  to  incor- 
porate "  The  Board  of  Elders  of  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the  Church 
of  the  United  Brethren,  in  the  United  States  of  America,"  as  a  body 
politic,  whereby  this  body  is  now  established  by  law,  and  is  henceforth 
subject  to  the  laws  of  this  State,  and  the  Rules  and  Regulations  of 
the  Synods  of  this  branch  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church. — 

Therefore  be  it  resolved,  that  we  deem  it  expedient  and  highly  necessa- 
ry, that  the  following  Statutes  of  Rules  and  Regulations  be  adopted 
by  this  Synod,  as  the  Constitution  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church 
in  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the  United  States  of  America. 


Statutes  of  the  UnitedJBrethren's  Church  in  the  Northern 
Diocese  of  the  United^States  of  North  America. 

INTRODUCTION. 

The  Statutes  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  in  the  Northern  Diocese 
of  the  United  States  of  North  America  are  principles  laid  down  by  unani- 
mous consent  of  the  Synods,  as  just^and  truly  necessary,  and  deserving  the 
faithful  observance  of  all  its  members ; 

The  Statutes  are  divided  into  three  parts  :  The  first  comprehends  the  prin- 
ciples upon  which^the  destination,  aim,  and  calling  of  the  Church  are  found- 
ed. The  second,  contains  the  principles  of  our  Discipline,  deduced  from 
the  former.  The  third,  contains  the  principles  relating  to  the  government 
and  the  service  of  the  Church  in  all  its  branches. 

PART  I. 

Principles  upon  which   the  destination,  aim,  and  calling  of  thm 
?United  Brethren's  Church  are  founded. 

Sbc.  1.  The  Protestant  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  is  a  part  of  the 
household  of  God  founded  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself,  in  which 
he  has  the  sole  Rule,  ordaining  and  appointing  its  Servants,  and  in 
which  every  institution  is  meant  to  render  each  of  its  members  pre- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  15 

pared,  to  serve  the  will  of  God  here  on  earth,  and  finally  to  depart 
with  joy,  and  be  with  him  for  ever. 

Sec.  2.  The  Holt  Scriptures  are  and  remain  the  only  touchstone  and 
rule,  by  which  our  doctrine  must  be  examined,  and  our  whole  lives 
must  be  regulated. 

Sec.  3.  The  American  branch  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  considers 
her  derivation,  from  the  renewed  Church  of  the  ancient  Moravian 
Brethren  at  Herrnhut  A.  D.  1722,  as  a  providential  dispensation  of 
God,  by  which  she  obtained  the  groundwork  of  her  Constitution  and 
Discipline,  and  the  rite  of  Episcopal  Ordination,  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  the  mother  Church. 

Sec  4.  The  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  is  convinced  that  the  aim  of 
God  would  not  be  obtained,  if  she  was  nothing  more  than  an  ecclesi- 
astical community  formed  of  persons  agreeing  in  doctrine  and  Church 
rites,  but  that  her  high  calling  of  God  is  this  :  that  she  should  be,  or 
exhibit  a  part  of  that  living  Church  of  Christ,  which  is  scattered 
throughout  the  earth,  that  is,  a  community  of  true  children  of  God, 
having  Jesus  for  their  Head,  whose  members  love  each  other,  as' 
brethren  and  sisters,  and  maintain  among  themselves  the  closest 
Unity  of  Spirit. 

Sec  5.  Her  calling  and  plan  therefore,  as  far  as  our  knowledge  at  present 
reaches,  is  this  : 

a,  That  she  be  a  Church  founded  upon  the  doctrine  of  the  incarna- 
tion, bloodshedding,  and  death  of  Jesus,  in  which  she  finds  her  dai- 
ly pasture  ;  her  principal  concern  being  to  enjoy  the  full  merits  of  his 
life,  sufferings,  death  and  resurrection,  for  her  salvation  and  sanctifi- 
cation  ;  and  to  live  in  intimate  communion  with  him,  striving,  out  of 
love  to  him,  to  keep  his  commandments,  her  members  caring  for,  and 
exciting  each  other  to  acts  of  love  and  good  works. 

b,  That  she  be  a  city  set  on  a  hill,  whose  inhabitants  let  their  light 
shine  before  men,  their  walk  and  conversation  proving,  that  living- 
faith  in  Jesus  creates  not  merely  true  cheerfulness  and  happiness  of 
mind,  but  also  strict  rectitude  of  conduct  in  its  professors,  who  are 
zealously  intent  upon  following  after  truth,  faithfulness,  and  charity 
towards  their  neighbors,  and  every  virtue  and  every  praise. 

c,  That  she  be  a  people  keeping  immdveably  to  the  word  of  Jesus' 
patience  and  atonement,  showing  forth  his  death  without  fear,  and 
proclaiming  his  Gospel  in  all  places,  and  by  all  means  in  their 
power,  not  only  as  a  good  salt  among  different  Christian  denomina- 
tions, but  also  a  messenger  of  peace  to  the  Heathen,  undismayed  eith- 
er by  the  crafty,  or  violent  opposition  of  the  enemy  and  his  agents, 
and  counting  the  reproach  of  Christ  as  an  honor,  willingly  bearing 
the  cross  after  him. 

Sec  6.  The  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  therefore  can  acknowledge 
such  only  as  partakers  of  her  covenant,  who  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ 
have  become  children  of  God,  or  such  who  are  earnestly  striving  af- 
ter this  blessing,  in  whose  conversation  the  fruits  of  the  spirit  are 
seen,  and  who  with  their  whole  heart  agree,  both  in  the  calling  of 
grace,  and  the  plan  of  regulation  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church 
formed  for  the  furtherance  thereof,  and  are  willing  to  conform  to  them. 


16  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Sec.  7.  Whereas  birth  and  descent  can  never  make  a  child  of  God,  it  fol- 
lows that  children  born  in  the  Church  can  only  then  be  considered  as 
true  members  thereof,  when  by  the  grace  of  God  they  obtain  the 
above  stated  disposition  and  conviction.  (Sec.  6.)  But  we  acknow- 
ledge it  to  be  our  most  sacred  duty,  to  promote  this  work  of  divine 
grace  in  their,  hearts,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  by  kind  exhortation, 
instruction  and  example. 

Sec  8.  We  will  endeavor,  as  much  as  lieth  in  us,  to  live  in  true  fellowship 
and  unity  of  Spirit  with  all  children  of  God  in  other  denominations, 
and  serve  them  with  a  willing  heart ,  as  far  as  we  are  able.  We 
will  however,  not  enter  with  any  one  into  religious  controversy,  but 
simply  adhere  to  the  fundamental  principles  laid  down  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  faithfully  and  fearlessly   confessing  the  truth. 

Sec  9.  Neither  time  nor  circumstances,  nor  any  thing  else,  shall  divert  us 
from  following  the  important  call  given  us  by  the  Lord  himself,  upon 
which  our  covenant  is  founded  ;  therefore  we  will  by  his  grace  main- 
tain it  as  our  most  valuable  treasure  without  wavering. — 

PART  II. 

Principles  of  our  Constitution  and  Church  Discipline. 

Sec  1.  The  only  aim  of  all  the  regulations  and  rules  established  in  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren,  is  to  promote  the  spiritual  and  tem- 
poral welfare  of  each  congregation  collectively,  and  of  every  individ- 
ual member  thereof,  according  to  the  will  of  God,  and  to  prevent  all 
harm  and  injury. 

Sec  2.  Nothing  therefore  must  enter  into  any  part  of  our  constitution,  our 
regulations  and  rules,  that  is  contrary  to  the  doctrine  of  Jesus,  and  of 
his  Apostles. 

Sec  3.  The  rules  and  regulations  of  each  Congregation  are  considered  by 
all  sincere  members  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church,  as  a  benefit, 
and  must  be  implicitly  obeyed  by  each  member,  nor  can  the  ministers 
of  the  Church,  or  any  others  appointed  to  hold  office  in  the  Church, 
be  exempted  therefrom,  under  any  pretense  whatever. 

Sec.  4.  All  true  members  of  the  Brethren's  Church  are  convinced  in  their 
conscience  that  they  are  not  only  to  seek  that  which  is  their  own  but 
also  that  which  is  the  Lord's;  not  to  live  to  themselves,  but  to  God  ;  they 
therefore  gladly,  and  willingly  contribute  ail  in  their  power  towards 
the  spread  of  his  kingdom,  and  the  furtherance  of  that  work  of  God, 
which  is  committed  to  us. 

Sec  5.  The  discipline  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  consists  in  love  to- 
wards each  other,  but,  whenever  any  member  falls  into  error,  he  must 
be  set  to  rights  with  kindness,  and  if  he  falls  into  transgression,  be 
seriously,  according  to  the  precept  given  by  our  Saviour,  reminded  of 
his  duty,  and  reproved  as  a  Brother. 

8ec.  6.  Whoever  walks  disorderly,  gives  offense,  or  causes  scandal,  despis- 
ing all  exhortation  and  reproof,  and  perseveres  in  it,  must  be  dismiss- 
ed from  the  communion  of  the  church. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  17 

Sec.  7.  All  seducers,  that  is,  such  persons  as  knowingly  and  purposely  do 
harm  to  the  souls  of  others,  and  on  strict  examination  have  been  con- 
victed of  such  practices,  are  to  be  excluded  from  the  Church. 

Sec.  8.  We  will  faithfully  maintain  this  our  Church  discipline  without  res- 
pect of  persons,  or  regard  to  office,  rank  or  family,  usefulness,  and 
former  services,  or  any  other  merit,  every  where,  and  at  all  times,  be- 
ing persuaded,  that  we  cannot  otherwise  be,  or  remain  a  living 
Church  of  Jesus. 

PART  III. 

Government  and  the  Service  of  the  Church  in  all  its  Branches. 

Sec.  1.  All  the  congregations  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  in  the 
Northern  Diocese  of  the  United  States  of  America,  are  parts  of  the 
Unity  which  (iod  our  Saviour  has  united  in  one  body.  Under  Him 
their  Lord  and  Head,  they  are  joined  together  as  members  of  one 
Church,  and  are  built  up  for  a  habitation  of  God,  through  the  Spirit, 
and  are  subject  to  the  immediate  government  of  him  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  But  this  government  is  carried  on  by  him 
through  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  by  means  of  a  General 
Synod,  directing  the  internal  and  external  affairs  of  the  Church  in 
general,  and  of  each  Congregation,  and  in  which  the  whole  Unity 
of  the  Brethren's  Church  in  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  is  represented  by  the  active  ministers  of  the  Church,  the 
deputies  of  all  the  Congregations,  and  such  other  members  of  the 
Church  as  may  be  invited  to  attend,  in  accordance  with  the  rules 
adopted  by  the  Synod  of  1847. 

Sec  2.  At  a  general  Synod  the  external  and  internal  affairs  of  the  Church 
are  examined,  and  its  Constitution  either  confirmed,  or  if  needful 
otherwise  regulated,  modified  or  amended  ;  according  to  the  leading 
of  the  Lord,  it  also  appoints  the  time  and  place  of  its  next  meeting. 

But  as  the  superintendence  and  direction  of  the  whole  Church 
must  be  uninterruptedly  continued,  and  the  Synod  can  meet  only  at 
stated  times,  every  Synod  chooses  and  appoints  a  board  of  Elders — 
(with  the  approval  of  the  Lot, — )  which  shall  be  called,  "  The  Board 
of  Elders  of  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the  Church  of  the  United 
Brethren  in  the  United  States  of  America,"  which  represents  the  Sy- 
nod till  it  again  meets,  and  is  responsible  to  it. 

Sec  3.  The  board  of  Elders  shall  consist  of  five  members,  namely  :  a 
President,  three  Directors,  and  a  Treasurer.  The  President  and  Di- 
rectors to  be  chosen  from  the  active  ministers  of  the  Church,  the 
Treasurer  to  be  chosen  from  among  the  brethren  of  the  Church,  with- 
out being  in  the  ministry  or  actual  service  of  the  Church  ;  subject  to 
the  following  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Synod,  viz  : 

a,  The  President  shall  be  chosen  and  elected  by  the  Synod  out  of 
the  number  of  Bishops  residing  within  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the 
United  Brethren's  Church,  whose  residence  shall  be  fixed  at  Bethle- 
hem in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania. 

b,  Three  Directors  shall  be  chosen  and  elected  by  the  Synod  out  of 
the  number  of  active  ministers  in  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the  Unit- 
ed Brethren's  Church. 

3 


IS  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

The  first  to  represent  and  be  located  in  the  western  section  of  the 
Diocese,  embracing  all  the  Congregations  in  the  Western  States. 

The  second  to  be  elected  and  located  in  the  middle  Section  of  the 
Diocese,  embracing  all  the  congregations  in  the  States  of  Pennsyl 
vania  and  Maryland. 

The  third  to  represent  and  be  located  in  the  eastern  section  of  the 
Diocese,  embracing  all  the  congregations  in  New  York,  New  Jersey 
and  the  New  England  States. 

The  Treasurer  may  be  chosen  out  of  the  number  of  actual  mem- 
bers of  the  Church  either  in  the  ministry  or  otherwise,  and  his  place 
of  residence  shall  be  fixed  at  Bethlehem,  State  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  receipts  and  disbursements  of  the  Treasurer,  shall  be  regulated 
by  the  resolutions  of  the  Synod,  and  the  directions  of  the  board  of 
Elders,  and  to  whom  he  shall  be  held  responsible. 

In  order  that  no  difficulties  may  arise  from  changes  or  removals  of 
the  ministers  thus  elected,  they  shall  not  be  removed  out  of  their  res- 
pective sections  during  the  interval  from  one  Synod  to  the  other,  al- 
though they  may  be  called  to  serve  one  or  another  congregation,  in 
that  section  which  they  represent. 

In  case  of  any  vacancy  or  vacancies  taking  place,  by  resignation, 
incapacity  or  death,  in  the  board  of  Elders,  such  vacancy  or  vacancies 
shall  be  tilled  according  to  the  rules  of  the  Synod  adopted  in  the 
year  1849  in  such  cases. — 
Sec.  4.  This  board  of  Elders  shall  be  the  Executive  Committee,  during  the 
intervals  of  the  Synods,  and  has  charge  to  take  in  hand  and  carry  out 
the  resolutions  of  the  Synod,  to  maintain  the  connection  between  all 
congregations,  and  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  whole  work  of  God 
committed  to  the  Brethren's  Church  among  Christians  and  heathen, 
in  conformity  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Synod.  It  also  convenes  and 
opens  the  next  Synod  at  the  time  appointed. 

Sec  5.  Our  Bishops,  Presbyters  and  Deacons  may  perform  ecclesiastical 
duties,  and  act  officially,  in  consequence  of  their  ordination  only  as 
authorized  by  the  Synod  and  board  of  Elders. 

Sec  fi.  Each  Congregation  of  the  Brethren's  Church  has  its  own  direct- 
ing board,  called  the  Committee  or  Board  of  Elders,  which  is  subject 
to  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Church. 

Skt.  7.  In  the  Church  of  the  Brethren,  principles  must  govern,  and  the 
board  of  Elders  or  Committee  of  each  congregation  are  charged  to 
see  to  it,  that  they  be  neither  forgotten,  nor  weakened,  but  faithfully 
observed,  and  brought  into  practice. 

Sbc.  8.  (Both  at  the  Synods  and  in  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  de- 
risions are  formed  not  always  by  plurality  of  vot.^s,  but  in  all  impor- 
tant and  dubious  cases,  after  a  strict  and  sufficient  examination,  we 
call  upon  our  only  wise  God  and  Saviour,  prayerfully  beseeching  him, 
to  reveal  his  Holy  Will  to  us,  by  means  of  the  Lot.) 

Sec  9.  (All  the  directions  of  the  Lord  by  the  Lot,  and  the  resolutions  of 
the  Svnod,  or  board  of  Elders,  founded  upon  them,  must  be  strictly 
and  faithfully  obeyed,  both  by  the  members  of  the  Synod,  the  board 
ff  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference,  and  those  of  the  congregations 
to  whom  they  relate.) 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  19 

Sec.  10.  All  ministers  of  the  Church  are  appointed  by  the  board  of  Elders 
ot  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church,  to  labor 
in  the  various  congregations,  and  are  subject  to  the  same,  of  being 
removed,  or  dismissed  from  office,  if  circumstances  should  require  or 
make  it  necessary. — 

Sec.  11.  The  ministers  of  each  congregation  are  appointed  to  watch  over 
the  internal  affairs  of  their  respective  congregations,  to  minister  to 
them  with  the  Word  and  Sacraments,  to  attend  to  the  special  care  of 
souls,  and  to  advise  if  required,  in  external  concerns,  avoiding  by  all 
means,  all  appearances  of  exercising  lordship  over  the  brethren  and 
Bisters  committed  to  their  care. — 

Sec.  12.  In  all  cases,  whenever  any  difference  arises  between  a  minister  and 
the  Congregation  which  he  serves,  the  whole  subject  shall  be  submitted 
to  the  board  of  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference,  (either  by  the  min- 
ister or  the  directing  board  of  such  congregation)  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  investigate  all  such  differences  between  the  parties  and  give  a 
final  decision  upon  the  same. 

Sec.  13.  No  candidate  for  the  ministry  in  the  Brethren's  Church  can  be  ac- 
cepted or  appointed  before  he  has  been  duly  examined  by  the  board 
of  Elders  of  the  Provincial  Conference  and  has  given  such  testimo- 
nials and  other  requisites,  as  the  Synod  may  direct.  Nor  shall  any 
person  be  ordained  until  he  shall  have  subscribed  the  following  decla- 
ration : 

,'  I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament 
to  be  the  Word  of  God,  and  to  contain  all  things  necessary  to  salva- 
tion ;  and  I  do  solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the  doctrines  and  wor- 
ship of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  in  the  Northern  Diocese  of 
the  United  States  of  America." 

Conclusion. 

All  members  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  are  bound  before  God,  to 
keep  and  observe  the  above  statutes,  and  no  one,  whoever  he  may  be,  can 
exempt  himself  under  any  pretence  whatever.  An  unalterable  principle 
however  in  the  United  Brethren's  Church  is  this,  that  in  all  things  relating 
to  our  inward  and  outward  constitution,  our  discipline,  regulations  and  rules 
which  are  not  indispensably  necessary  or  essential,  that  is,  for  which  we  have 
not  clear  and  distinct  directions  from  the  Holy  Scriptures,  we  may  alter  and 
amend  from  time  to  time,  under  the  guidance  of  our  only  wise  (,'tod  and  Sa- 
viour Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  be  honor  and  glory  from  everlasting  to  everlast- 
ing. I 

Br.  Lennert  moved  that  the  paper  be  received,  and  laid  on  the  table,  to  be 
afterwards  referred  to  the  appropriate  committee.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Goepp  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved, — That  a  committee  of  —  members  be  appointed 

1.  On  Constitution  and  Church  Government,  and  all  mat- 
ters relating  to  chapter  4  Synodal  Results  of  1847. 

2.  On  Finance — chapter  5. 

3.  On  Internal  arrangements  of  the  several  cong.  chap.  6. 

4.  On  the  use  of  the  Lot — chapter  7. 

5.  On  Education — chapter  8. 

6.  On  Home  Missions — chapter  10. 


20  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROTINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Br.  Schweinitz  offered  the  following  resolutions  as  amendment  : 

"Resolved  1. — That  a  committee  of  —  members  be  appointed 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  take  into  consideration  the  whole 
subject  of  Church  Publications, 

2. — That  the  first  duty  of  this  committee  shall  be  to 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  commencing  as 
soon  as  possible,  the  publication  of  a  weekly  church  paper.7' 

This  amendment  was  accepted  by  the  mover — and  the  original  resolution 
as  amended  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Shultz,  a  Committee  in  reference  to  Foreign  Missions 
was  added,  and  on  motion  it  was  resolved  that  it  shall  consist  of  five  mem- 
bers.— 

On  motion  it  was 

"Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church 
G-evernment  consist  of  seven  members. — 

Br.  Bleck  next  moved  that  the  election  of  the  Committee  on  Constitution 
and  Church  Government  be  by  nomination  and  ballot.     Agreed  to. — 

After  the  nominations  had  been  made,  Synod  proceeded  to  ballot,  and  up- 
on count  of  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  53  votes  were  cast,  of  which 

Br.  Bigler  received  37 — Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon.)  34 

Br.  Reinke  (Litiz.)  33— Br.  Shultz  28 

Thereupon  these  brethren  were  declared  to  be  duly  elected. 

On  motion  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing  ; 

"  iajj  attcs  tt>a$  vcrbanfcclt  nnrfc,"  it.  f.  t». 


FOURTH  SESSION. 

2  o'clock,  p.  m. — 53  members  present, 

Sung  :  "  We  sinners  humbly  crave."  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Bigler. 

The  President  announced  the  election  of  three  brethren,  to  complete  the 
"  Committee  on  Constitution  aud  Church  Government,"  as  now  in  order 

Br.  Bahnson,  representative  of  P.  H.  C.  of  Wachovia,  asked  Synod, 
whether  they  would  regard  a  verbal  statement  on  his  part,  sufficient  to  con-* 
vey  the  wishes  of  said  conference,  as  he  had  not  been  furnished  with 
written  documents. 

Synod  consented  to  accept  the  verbal  statement  of  the  brother. 

Synod  proceeded  to  ballot  for  the  three  brethren  to  complete  the  "  Com- 
mittee on  Constitution  and  Church  Government." 

Upon  counting  the  vote  it  appeared  that  fifty  votes  had  been  cast,  and 
that  no  brother  had  received  a  majority  of  all  the  votes. 


JOBRNAT,  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  21 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bigler,  it  was  agr3ed  that  the  three  brethren  who  had  re- 
ceived the  highest  number  of  votes,  should  be  declared  duly  elected.  The 
brethren 

Blickensderfer  (Dover)  with  22  votes. 

Goepp  -  "      21     " 

Eberman  (Nazareth)       "      20     " 

were  accordingly  declared  elected. 

Synod  proceeded  to  the  election  of  the  "  Committee  on  Finance." 

Br.  Holland  moved  that  said  Committee  consist  of  five  members.  Agreed 
to.  Whereupon  Synod  proceeded  to  ballot.  On  counting  the  vote  it  ap- 
peared that  fifty-one  votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 

Br.  Rice  received  43  Br.  Goepp      31 

"    Jordan  38  "    Tschudy  26 

Whereupon  these  brethren  were  declared  to  be  duly  elected. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle  (Bethl'm)  it  was  agreed  that  the  brother  having 
the  next  highest  number  of  votes,  be  the  fifth  member  of  the  Committee. 

Br.  Clark  with  eighteen  votes  was  accordingly  elected. 

Synod  proceeded  to  the  election  of  the  "  Committee  on  the  Internal  Ar- 
rangements of  Congregations." 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  the  President  appoint  said  committee,  and  al- 
so the  remaining  ones,  and  that  he  announce  them  to-morrow  morning. 

Br.  Holland  moved  to  amend  "excepting  the  Committee  on  Education." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Hagen,  the  appointment  of  a  "  Committee  of  five  on 
Doctrine  and  Ritual  of  the  Church"  was  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  the  blanks  for  the  different  committees  were 
filled  in  as  follows  ;  viz  :  Five  for  the  "  Committee  on  Internal  Arrangements 
of  Congregations." — Seven  for  the  "  Committee  on  the  Use  of  the  Lot." — « 
Ten  for  the  "  Committee  on  Home  Missions." — Five  for  the  "  Committee 
on  Church  Publications," — and  five  for  the  "Committee  on  Foreign  Missions." 

Br.  Holland  moved  that  a  committee  of  five  on  Education  be  elected  by 
ballot. 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  to  amend  the  number  to  nine, — and  the  motion 
so  amended  was  agreed  to. — Whereupon  Synod  proceeded  to  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote  it  appeared  that  fifty-two  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Schweinitz  received  43  Br.  Kampman  33 

"    Wolle  (Bethl'm)       41  "    Holland      32 

"    Shultz  37  "    Hagen        27 

Br.  Reinke  (Staten  Island)  27  votes. 

These  brethren  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  were  declared  to  be  du- 
ly elected. 

The  brethren  Bigler  and  Reichel  each  with  twenty-three  votes,  having 
the  next  highest  number  were  declared  the  complement  of  the  Commit- 


'22  JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  cause  an  alphabetical  list  of 
the  members  of  the  Synod  to  be  made,  and  deliver  the 
same  to  the  "  Committee  on  Printing/'  who  shall  cause — 
copies  thereof  to  be  printed ;  to  be  in  readiness  when  the 
yeas  and  nays  shall  be  called  on  any  question." 

The  resolution  was  adopted,  and  one  hundred  copies  were  ordered  to  be 
printed. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl'm)  moved  that  Br.  Eugene  Greider  from  the  West  In- 
dia Mission,  be  admitted  as  advisory  member  of  this  Synod.     Agreed  to. 

On  motion,  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing. 


FIFTH  SESSION. 
Friday,  May  4th,  82  o'clock  a.  m. — 57  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Own  thy  congregation,"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Seidel. 

Texts  of  the  day  read. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  the  minutes  as  read  were  adopted. 

Br.  Schweinitz  offered  the  following  resolution  : — 

"Resolved,  That  the  journal  of  this  Synod,  as  adopted  from 
day  to  day,  be  printed." 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  amend  as  follows  : 

"  Strike  out  all  after  the  word  "Resolved,"  and  insert  "  That  a  Commit- 
tee of  three  be  appointed  to  revise  and  prepare  the  minutes  of  Synod  for 
publication,  and  present,  the  same  as  revised  to  the  Synod  for  approval,  be- 
fore final  adjournment  of  this  body." — Lost. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  original  resolution,  it  was  adopted. 

The  President  announced  the  following  Committees : — 

Committee  ox  the  Use  of  the  Lot. 


The  seven  brethren,  Eberman,  Rauch, 

Kampman,  Busse, 

Schweinitz,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover) 
Clauder. 


Committee  on  Church  Publications. 

The  five  brethren,     Seidel,  Clauder, 

Shultz,  Jordan, 

Harvey. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 
Committee  on  Home  Missions. 

The  ten  brethren,     Seidel,  Reed, 

Shultz,  Clark, 

Schweinitz,  Perkin, 

Bachman,  Rickert, 

Barstow,  Peisert. 

Committee  on  Foueirn  Missions. 


The  five  hrethren,    Shultz,  Regenass. 

Oehler,  Reinke  (Statcn  Island) 

Kuramer. 


The  President  having  suggested  the  propriety  of  increasing  the  "Committee 
on  Internal  Arrangements,"  and  the  "  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual," 

On  motion  of  Br.  Shultz,  the  former  was  increased  to  ten,  and  on  motion 
of  Br.  Bleck,  the  latter  was  increased  to  nme. 

On  motion,  Synod  took  a  recess  of  fifteen  minutes. 

On  Synod's  resuming  business,  Br.  Kampman  announced  a  Memorial, 
and  on  his  motion  it  was  laid  on  the  table,  to  be  taken  up  and  read,  the 
first  thing  in  the  afternoon. — 

Br.  Heckert  offered  the  following  resolution  : — 

"  Resolved,  That  no  brother  shall  speak  more  than  twice,  nor 
longer  than  ten  minutes  at  each  time  on  any  question,  with- 
out leave  of  Synod  ;  which  leave  shall  be  granted  or  re- 
fused without  debate." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  resolution  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  take  up  Br.  Goepp's  resolutions,  and  refer  them  to  a 
special  committee  of  three. 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  to  amend  "that  Synod  take  up  Br.  Goepp's  resolu- 
tions."    Agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  Br.  Goepp's  resolutions  were  referred  to  a  special 
committee  of  three. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  all  communications  to  Synod  be  now  presented, 
and  that  the  same  be  called  for  from  the  different  congregations  in  regular 
order.     Agreed  to. 

Whereupon  the  President  called  upon  the  delegates  of  the  several  con- 
gregations. 

The  delegate  from  Litiz  had  no  communications  to  submit. 

The  delegation  from  Nazareth  had  none,  but  Br.  Lennerl  offered  the  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolutions  : — 


24  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

"  Inasmuch  as  frequent  reference  is  made  in  the  charter  of  the  Bethle- 
hem Congregation  to  the  Constitution  and  Rules  of  the  northern  sec- 
tion of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, and  as  by  a  resolution  of  Synod  of  1849  (Part  II.  §  8)  "  every 
Charter  of  any  of  our  congregations  must  contain  such  or  sim- 
ilar clause,  that  nothing  be  done  byjsuch  congregation  contrary  to 
the  said  rules  and  constitution ;"  therefore 

Resolved  1.  That  for  the  instruction  of  Synod  the  President  lay  before 
the  same  said  rules  and  constitution  of  the  northern  section  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren,  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

Resolved  2.  That  if  such  rules  and  constitution  of  the  northern  sec- 
tion of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  the  United  States 
to  which  reference  is  made,  be  not  in  existence  otherwise  than  what 
is  contained  in  the  Synodal  Results  of  the  General  Synods  of  the 
Brethren's  Church,  or  of  the  Provincial  Synods  of  '47  and  '49,  then 
this  Synod  shall  consider  it  one  of  its  chief  duties  to  frame  such  a 
constitution,  and  draft  such  rules  for  its  adoption  and  for  the  future 
Government  of  the  Church  in  the  northern  Diocese. 

Resolved  3.  That  such  constitution  and  rules  shall  not  be  inconsistent 
with,  nor  contrary  to  the  fundamental  principles  as  laid  down  in  the 
results  of  the  General  Synods  of  the  Brethren's  Church." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  this  preamble  and  resolutions  were  referred  to 
the  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church  Government." 

Br.  Bigler  of  the  New  York  delegation,    by  consent,  read  the   following 
communication  to  Synod  from  the  New  York  congregation  : — 

"The  committee  appointed  by  the  congregation  at  their  general  meeting 
held  on  Wednesday  evening  the  31st  ultimo,  to  take  into  considera- 
tion and  report  on  such  subjects  as  in  their  judgment  might  be  deem- 
ed desirable  to  lay  before  the  Provincial  Synod  to  be  convened  at 
Bethlehem  on  the  2nd  of  May  next,  beg  leave  to  submit  the  follow- 
ing as  the  result  of  their  deliberations  : — 

In  view  of  the  present  state,  the  acquirements,  and  the  future  prosperity 
of  our  Church  in  the  United  States,  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  congre- 
gation that  the  Church  in  its  government,  canons,  and  legislative  ca- 
pacity, should  undergo  a  thorough  change.  It  believes  that  the  time 
has  fully  come,  when  the  church  here  should  be  entirely  free,  inde- 
pendent and  untrammeled  by  any  extraneous  body  in  its  civil  and  ec- 
clesiastical affairs. — It  believes  that  no  measure  short  of  this,  can 
give  to  the  church  spiritual  life,  vigor,  and  activity  within,  and  place 
it  in  a  proper  condition  to  carry  out  the  intention  and  designs  of  our 
blessed  Redeemer  and  Saviour  of  the  world,  in  the  work  of  evan- 
gelizing the  people  and  in  the  extension  of  his  kingdom  in  this  coun- 
try. The  experience  of  a  century  has  fully  shown,  that  a  govern- 
ment centred  in  the  heart  of  Europe,  where  the  language,  laws,  cus- 
toms, habits  and  genius  of  the  people,  are  most  essentially  different 
from  those  prevailing  here,  cannot  with  the  most  sincere  intentions, 
either  understand  or  properly  provide  for  our  wants  and  exigencies, 
and  that  even  were  it  possible,  the  distance  is  too  great  to  act  always, 
if  ever,  with  sufficient  promptitude. 

ft  would  recommend  and  advise,  in  view  of  these  important  considerations, 
that  the  whole  church  in  this  country,  north,  south,  east,  and  west, 
should  unite  in  a  general  convention  at  a  central  point,   at   an  early 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  25 

period,  so  that  a  plan  of  government,  and  a  code  of  Jaws  or  constitu- 
tion may  be  arrived  at  and  settled  upon,  as  shall  be  adapted  to  the  re- 
quirements of  each  and  every  quarter  of  the  church,  that  if  possible  it 
may  be  unanimously  and  harmoniously  adopted. 

It  would  further  observe,  that  whatever  action  is  now  suggested,  is  to  be  re- 
garded as  merely  preliminary  and  provisional,  and  intended  to  result  in 
unity,  and  in  the  formation  of  plans  which  shall  form  it  basis  and  ma- 
terials for  a  General  Synod  to  work  out,  elaborate  and  mature. 

in  this  view  the  congregation  present  the  following  suggestions  ;  viz :  That 
as  the  government  of  the  church  in  this  country,  as  it  has  hitherto  been 
conducted  by  conferences  elected  or  otherwise,  sitting  from  Synod  to 
Synod,  has  evidently  failed  to  procure  permanency  and  prosperity  to 
the  character  and  institutions  of  the  church,  we  should  pray  the  Synod 
to  consider,  whether  the  whole  system  of  church  government  in  this 
country  might  not  with  great  profit,  undergo  an  entire  change  and  re- 
construction.    Whether 

I  st.  The  Church  might  not  for  the  sake  of  convenience,  economy,  and  sec- 
tional necessities  be  divided  into  three  provinces,  viz  :  northern,  western, 
and  southern,  each  one  of  which  shall  be  entitled  to  its  separate  govern- 
ment, for  conducting  and  administering  its  local  and  internal  affairs. — 
That  each  province,  including  the  Home  missionary  congregations, 
whose  anomalous  position  it  is  thought  ought  to  be  changed,  so  that 
they  might  be  regarded  as  belonging  to  the  same  category,  and  having 
the  same  privileges  and  immunities  as  other  congregations,  be  regarded 
as  a  distinct  diocese,  and  be  presided  over  by  a  bishop,  the  choice  of 
whom  shall  be  determined  by  an  election  of  the  congregations  which 
compose  the  province  or  diocese. 

Thus  to  advance  the  interests,  welfare  and  happiness  not  only  of  the 
single  province,  but  of  the  whole  church  at  large,  by  elevating  and  pro- 
moting the  office  and  duties  of  a  bishop,  who  could  be  more  actively 
and  extensively  employed  in  the  spiritual  affairs  of  the  church.  That 
besides  the  peculiar  function  of  ordination,  he  might  likewise  be  an 
-overseer  of  the  flock  of  Christ,  a  visitor,  and  promoter  of  love,  unity, 
and  activity  in  the  congregations  assigned  to  his  jurisdiction. — 

2nd,  That  each  province  hold  an  annual  Synod,  for  the  transaction  of  its 
local  affairs;  and  in  order  to  promote  unity  of  design  and  action  in  the 
whole  church,  and  for  its  common  welfare,  a  general  convention  or  Syn- 
od be  convened,  every  three  years,  to  consist  of  a  suitable  number  of 
ministerial  and  lay  delegates  from  each  province.  And  if  found  expe- 
dient or  desirable  to  facilitate  the  business  of  such  a  General  Synod  or 
Convention,  that  body  might  be  divided  into  an  Upper  and  Lower  House. 
The  former  to  consist  of  the  Bishops  ex  officio,  and  such  a  number  of 
presbyters  as  may  be  determined  upon  and  elected  by  the  whole  body, 
and  the  latter  of  ministers  and  lay  delegates.  As  to  the  powers  to  be 
exercised  by  these  respective  bodies,  the  congregation  could  not  deter- 
mine anything,  but  with  the  model  of  a  Sister  Episcopal  Church  before 
them,  they  would  suggest  the  following  arrangement. 

a,  No  measure  should  originate  in  the  Upper  House  ;  but  it  shall  be 
their  province  to  canvass,  review,  and  consider  all  measures  proposed 
by  the  Lower  House;  and  if  they  approve  them,  their  sanction  sfeal! 
make  them  laws  of  the  church. — 

4 


26  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

b,  In  case  of  non-concurrence  in  a  measure  thus  proposed,  they  shall 
return  the  same  with  their  objections. — 

c,  Should  the  Lower  House  see  no  reason  to  change  their  views,  a 
call  of  both  Houses  shall  be  made,  and  the  measure  in  question  shall 
become  a  law,  with  the  sanction  of  a  two-third  vote  of  the  whole  body. 

3d.  As  there  exist  no  printed  general  rules  or  laws  of  the  church,  except 
such  as  are  in  the  form  of  "  Synodal  Results,"  and  these  only  few  in 
number,  and  mostly  in  the  German  language,  and  consequently  access- 
ible to  a  very  small  number  of  our  members,  and  to  none  out  of  .the 
church,  it  is  proposed  that  the  Constitution  and  Laws  of  the  church  be 
duly  digested,  codified  and  published  in  a  convenient  form  for  general 
circulation,  so  that  there  may  be  no  uncertainty,  secrecy,  or  misappre- 
hension, concerning  them. 

In  this  connection  also,  the  congregation  would  suggest  the  propriety 
and  necessity  of  a  uniform  standard  of  public  worship  to  be  agreed 
upon,  especially  with  reference  to  our  unexceptionable  Litany,  hymns, 
and  hymn-tunes,  as  well  as  in  the  administration  of  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments; and  that  it  be  incumbent  upon  every  minister  and  congregation 
to  adopt  and  use  it. 

4th.  Long  experience  having  fully  shown  that  the  use  of  the  Lot  may  be 
much  abused  and  misapplied,  instances  of  which  may  perhaps  readily 
recur  to  all ;  so  that  the  requisite  faith  and  confidence  in  the  institution 
has  become  much  impaired,  and  conscientious  scruples  may  be  enter- 
tained about  its  continued  application  ;  it  is  suggested  whether  it  may 
not  be  safely  and  profitably  dispensed  with,  in  the  future  administration 
of  the  affairs  and  government  of  the  church.  It  is  believed  that  other 
and  more  customary  methods  may  be  substituted  for  the  same  purposes, 
which  may  combine  all  its  recommendations  without  any  of  its  objec- 
tions.— 

Additional  informal  suggestions  : — 

a,  If  the  lot  be  used  at  all,  let  it  be  personal  and  direct,  and  only  on 
application  of  the  individual  concerned. 

b,  The  appointing  power  may  be  safely  vested  in  the  House  of  Bish- 
ops and  Presbyters,  to  be  employed  only  when  they  are  in  session  at 
the  triennial  synod  or  convention. — 

*th.  That  as  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  Church  be  supplied 
with  a  thoroughly  educated,  carefully  trained  and  pious  ministry,  it  be 
recommended  that  the  Theological  Seminary  receive  most  vigilant  at- 
tention, that  suitable  means  and  inducements  be"  employed  to  encour- 
age our  young  students  to  remain  faithful  to  the  church,  and  that  facili- 
ties be  offered  to  pious  and  promising  youths  of  our  congregations  to 
enter  the  ministry.  And,  inasmuch  as  the  church  has  lost  the  services 
of  talented  and  useful  young  men,  in  consequence  of  the  restriction 
laid  upon  them  to  contract  marriage  only  with  members  of  the  Breth- 
ren's church,  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  congregation  that  such  restriction 
should  be  removed,  so  that  they  may  be  allowed  to  marry  persons  of  es- 
tablished piety  belonging  to  other  denominations. — And  further  that  it 
be  recommended  that  means  be  taken  for  the  separation  of  the  Prepar- 
ands  from  the  pupils  of  Nazareth  Hall,  and  that  both  the  Preparand 
and  Student  classes  with  their  respective  Professors  form  the  Seminary 
of  the  church. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  Zi 

It  is  also  recommended  that  the  Library  of  the  Theological  Seminary 
be  gradually  augmented  and  well  furnished  with  suitable  books,  in  ac- 
cordance with  a  resolution  of  the  last  Provincial  Synod,  and  for  which 
purpose  an  annual  appropriation  of  $30  was  made. 

6th.  As  the  name  or  title  of  our  church  is  much  misunderstood,  and  has 
given  rise  to  frequent  and  curious  inquiries,  which  could  not  always  be 
satisfactorily  answered,  and  as  it  is  often  confounded  with  a  numerous 
sect  in  the  West,  also  styling  themselves  '  United  Brethren,'  it  is  sug- 
gested whether  this  title  might  not  be  changed,  for  that  of  the  "  Mora- 
vian Episcopal  Church"  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

7th.  In  order  that  the  church  in  its  doctrine,  liturgy  and  discipline,  in  its 
Missionary  labors  at  home  and  abroad,  and  in  the  excellent  institutions 
of  learning  which  it  fosters,  may  become  more  generally  known,  and 
more  extensively  useful  in  this  country,  it  is  suggested  that  a  Weekly 
Church  Newspaper  be  established. 

8th.  The  congregation  are  aware  that  a  separation  from  the  government 
of  the  Mother  Church  in  Germany,  such  as  is  contemplated  by  the 
suggestions  here  offered,  will  be  encompassed  with  many  and  great 
difficulties,  especially  such  as  may  arise  out  of  our  financial  and  prop- 
erty relations. — But  they  entertain  the  hope  and  feel  the  assurance  that 
they  may  all  be  equitably  and  satisfactorily  surmounted.  That  in  the 
division  there  will  be  but  a  transfer  of  property  interest  from  one  branch 
of  the  church  to  the  other.  The  eventual  destination  and  purpose  will 
be  the  same ;  the  same  interests  will  be  served,  and  the  same  blessed 
cause  will  be  advanced. 

9th.  Finally,  Resolved,  That  our  attachment  to  the  Brethren's  church,  the 
church  of  our  fathers,  is  most  deep  and  sincere,  and  that  in  the  sugges- 
tions contained  in  this  paper,  we  are  not  prompted  by  a  spirit  of  fault- 
finding, but  solely  by  a  desire  to  advance  the  interests  and  prosperity  of 
our  beloved  Zion,  in  reference  to  which  we  can  adopt  the  language  of 
the  pious  Jew,  and  say  "  If  I  forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  let  my  right 
hand  forget  her  cunning — if  I  do  not  remember  Zion,  let  my  tongue 
cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth." — 

All  of  which  is  submitted, 

David  Bigler,  Chairman. 
Abraham  B.  Clark. 
Abraham  Van  Pelt. 
Henri  Neidinger. 
Andrew  G.  Binninger,  Sec. 

Rtsolved,  that  the  above  preamble  and  resolutions  having  been  severally 
voted  upon  and  unanimously  adopted,  the  whole  is  now  presented  as 
expressive  of  the  views  and  feelings  of  the  congregation,  and  that  it  be 
so  ordered. 

D.  Bigler,  Chairman. 
Abrm.  B.  Clark,  Secr'y. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  Br.  Bigler  resolve  the  communication  into  its  differ- 
ent resolutions,  and  that  these  then  be  respectively  referred  to  the  commit- 
tees empowered  to  take  cognizance  of  the  same. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  amend  "  that  the  document  be  at  once  referred  to  the 
different  committees."     Agreed  to. 


28 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 


Br.  Tschudy  moved  "  that  Synod  extend  a  special  invitation  to  Br.  Ben- 
ade,  to  attend  and  participate  in  the  deliberations  of  th«  same."    Agreed  to, 

On  motion,  Synod  adjourned';  after  singing  : 

"  .£crr,  fcgnc  wa$  id)  tfyuc,"  it.  f.  w. 


SIXTH  SESSION. 
Friday,  2  p.  m. — 50  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Highly  favored  congregation,"  &c.  —  Prayer  by  Br.  Lennert, 

The  President,  in  behalf  of  Br.  Benade,  returned  heartfelt  thanks  to  Syn« 
od  for  the  special  invitation  to  attend  its  sessions  and  participate  in  its  de- 
liberations ;  and  expressed  regret  at  being  necessitated  to  decline,  on  ac- 
count of  indisposition. 

On  leave,  Br.  Bleck  submitted  to  Synod  an  amended  form  of  Br.  Goepp's 
resolutions,  as  follows : — 

Whereas,  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference  in  Berthelsdorf  have 
officially  declared  their  willingness  to  take  the  necessary 
steps  for  the  convocation  of  a  general  Synod  of  the  United 
Brethren's  Church,  either  in  1857,  '58  or  '59,  in  case  the 
results  of  this  present  Provincial  Synod  should  be  of  such 
a  nature  as  in  their  opinion,  constitutionally  to  warrant  the 
taking  of  such  steps,  Therefore  be  it  Resolved* 

1.  That  this  present  Provincial  Synod  is  authorized,  to  take 
the  whole  of  the  constitution  and  principles  of  the  United 
Brethren's  Church  into  mature  and  prayerful  consideration, 
and  to  pass  resolutions  relating  to  the  same,  either  sanction- 
ing the  resolutions  of  former  Synods,  or  modifying  and  al- 
tering the  same,  or  substituting  entirely  new  ones,  and  that 
this  present  Synod,  as  to  its  deliberations,  is  not  limited  by 
any  reference  to  the  existing  rules  and  constitution  of  our 
Church,  otherwise  than  may  be  deemed  good  and  necessary 
by  the  Synod  itself. 

2.  That  the  principles  and  rules  of  the  constitution  of  our 
Church  proposed  and  resolved  upon  by  this  present  Synod, 
be  embodied  into  a  full  »eport,  and  that  those  of  them, 
which  under  our  present  constitution  cannot  be  carried  out 
nor  acted  upon,  unless  approved  of  either  by  the  Unity's 
Elders'  Conference,  or  by  a  General  Synod  of  our  Church, 
be  laid  before  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference  at  Berthels- 
dorf. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  29 

3.  That  the  results  of  this  present  Synod  be  printed  in  Eng- 
lish and  German,  for  the  use  of  the  members  of  our  Church, 
but  that  the  resolutions,  excepting  such  as  may  go  into 
force  forthwith  without  being  constitutionally  subject  to 
the  s&  notion  either  of  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference,  or 
of  a  General  Synod,  be  not  held  conclusive,  but  subject  to 
revision,  sanction,  or  modification  by  another  Provincial 
Synod  to  be  convened  in  the  fall  of  the  year  1856. 

4.  That  as  soon  as  may  be  after  the  commencement  of  the 
sittings  of  the  Synod,  a  brother  be  appointed,  whose  duty 
shall  be  to  prepare  a  report  embodying  the  resolutions  of 
the  Synod  under  their  proper  heads,  and  to  lay  the  same 
before  the  Synod  for  its  approval. 

Br.  Goepp  accepted  the  modifications. 

Br.  Schweinitz  objecting  to  the  erasion  of  the  last  two  clauses  of  1st  Res- 
olution, it  was  agreed  that  they  be  retained. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleek,  the  resolutions  as  amended,  were  referred  to  the 
same  committee  of  three. 

Br.  Kampman  communicated  to  Synod,  the  following 

MEMORIAL 

Respecting  the  Essential  Characteristics  of  the  Brethren's  Unity ; 
presented  to  the  Provincial  Synod,  held  at  Bethlehem,  Penna., 
May,  1855. 

To  the  Brethren  composing  the  Northern  Provincial  Synod  of 

the  Brethren's  Church  in  the  American  Branch  of  the 

Unitas  Fratrum. 

Dear  Brethren, 

The  American  Branch  of  the  Brethren's  Unity  has,  as  you 
all  know,  in  the  course  of  the  last  three  years,  been  serious- 
ly agitated  by  a  variety  of  conflicting  opinions  respecting 
the  Essential  Characteristics  of  the  Brethren's  Church  and 
the  peculiar  mission  of  that  church  in  America,  which  have 
not  only  slightly  shaken,  but  even  violently  threatened  to 
overturn  the  fabric  of  our  whole  church- system. 

With  this  singular  fact  before  our  eyes,  and  a  mournful  feel- 
ing in  our  heart,  that  the  members  of  one  and  the  same 
church  should  not  agree  among  themselves  as  to  what  con- 
stitutes the  life  and  spirit  of  their  union  in  one  church -bo- 
dy, we  regarded  it  as  a  most  solemn  duty  which  we  owe  to 


30  JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

ourselves,  to  the  Brethren's  Unity,  and  to  every  man  be- 
side, to  give  as  clear  and  satisfactory  a  reason  for  our  own 
adherence  to  this  particular  branch  of  the  Christian  Church, 
as  it  is  possible  for  us  to  do. 

The  essential  characteristics  of  a  church,  and  its  peculiar  mis- 
sion must,  of  course,  find  their  counterpart  in  the  spirit  of 
each  individual  member  of  that  church,  or  they  can  not  be 
developed  and  carried  out  in  the  life  and  acts  of  the  whole 
church  body.  Am  I  a  Moravian  ?  and,  Why  ?  The  an- 
swer to  these  questions  must  contain  a  full  and  unequivocal 
exposition  .of  the  Essential  Characteristics  and  peculiar 
Mission  of  the  Moravian  Church.  And  to  do  this,  as  in 
the  sight  of  Grod,  has  been  the  sole  object  of  our  thoughts 
and  wishes,  our  hopes  and  fears,  our  premises  and  conclu- 
sions in  the  following  paper,  which  we  respectfully  lay  at 
the  feet  of  our  brethren  for  their  hearty  consideration ; 
praying  them  to  correct  the  erroneous  views,  into  which, 
for  want  of  light,  we  may  unconsciously  have  fallen,  and 
to  supply  whatever  they,  in  their  better  judgments,  shall 
find  to  be  wanting;  that  we  may  hereafter  be  enabled  to  fill 
our  place  and  pursue  our  calling  in  the  American  Branch 
of  the  Brethren's  Unity  more  effectually  than  heretofore. 

Your  truth  seeking  brother, 

Lewis  F.  Kampman. 
Bethlehem,  Pa. 

(Great  Sabbath)  April  7th  1855. 


ESSENTIAL   CHARACTERISTICS 

OF 

THE  BRETHREN'S  UNITY. 

1st.     The  Word  op  the  Cross. 

Whoever  is  acquainted  with  the  history  of  the  Brethren's 
Church  knows  that  the  old  Moravian  branch  of  the  Unitas 
Fratrum  was  not  renewed  and  remodeled  by  the  designing 
hand  of  man,  but  that  it  put  on  new  strength  and  took  its 
present  position  in  the  body  of  Christ  (which  is  His  whole 
church,  visible  and  invisible)  by  the  will  of  the  Lord 
alone. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  31 

Herrnhut,  in  Saxony,  was  the  birth-place  of  the  Renewed 
Church  of  the  Unitas  Fratruni  (which,  for  brevity's  sake, 
we  term  the  Moravian  Church)  ;  and  not  the  descendants 
of  the  ancient  Moravian  Brethren  only,  but  zealous  adhe- 
rents of  other  portions  of  the  Christian  Church  composed 
the  ingredients  of  that  mother-congregation  of  the  present 
Moravian  Church. 

As  the  spirit  and  discipline  of  the  congregation  at  Herrnhut 
became  rapidly  known  beyond  the  immediate  neighborhood 
of  the  Hutberg,  (for  the  city  set  upon  a  hill  could  not  be 
hid),  so  did  the  desire  for  connection  with  the  Renewed 
Church  of  the  Unitas  Fratrum  arise  and  spread  amongst 
awakened  souls  in  all  the  leading  Protestant  denomina- 
tions of  Germany,  England  and  America.  Not  the  dead, 
but  the  living,  members  of  the  body  of  Christ  scattered 
here  and  there  throughout  the  most  enlightened  portions 
of  Christendom  sought  communion  with  the  "  little  flock" 
at  Herrnhut.  Congregations  and  societies  were  therefore 
speedily  organized  upon  the  basis  and  after  the  model  of 
the  Moravian  church  at  Herrnhut.  And  some  of  these 
continue  to  the  present  day. 

What  was  it,  we  ask,  that  drew  the  attention  of  the  enlight- 
ened and  awakened  members  of  the  various  national  and 
separatistic  churches  of  Europe  and  America  to  the  newly 
arisen  church  of  the  Brethren  ?  What  did  these  diversely 
trained  and  strongly  opinionated  adherents  of  other  per- 
suasions find  in  the  quiet,  unobtrusive  Moravian  brother- 
hood not  only  curious  enough  to  attract  their  observation, 
but  enticing  enough  to  draw  them  into  union  with  it  ? 

They  found  that  "  bond  of  perfectness,"  that  love  to  Christ 
and  His  brethren  so  practically  developed  there  in  all  the 
beauty  of  Christian  holiness  as  they  could  not  find  it  in 
the  other  churches  to  which  they  belonged.  They  found  a 
congregation  of  Jesus,  not  merely  as  they  had  already  felt 
in  their  own  souls  that  it  ought  to  be,  but  as  they  now 
learned  that  it  can  be.  They  found  their  long  buried  hopes 
and  secret  wishes  for  a  true  and  living  church  of  Christ  in 
the  flesh  realized.  They  saw  and  confessed  that  it  was 
possible  for  christmn  men,  women  and  children  to  compose 
a  congregation  of  believers  which  should  be  a  living  "  epis- 
tle of  Christ  known  and  read  of  all  men,"  as  an  unimpeach- 
able witness  for  Jesus  and  a  striking  representation  of  those 
glories  promised  when  once  there  shall  be  but  "  one  flock  and 
one  shepherd"  known  throughout  the  length  and  the  breadth 
of  the  church  of  Christ. 


32  JOURNAL  OE  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

What  secret  power  did  the  Brethren  wield? — what  hidden 
treasure  had  they  opened  to  the  light  of  all  the  christian 
world  ? — what  new  spring  of  divine  truth  had  they  discov- 
ered ? — what  especial  grace  gave  them  such  preeminence 
and  superiority  in  overcoming  the  infirmities  of  human  na- 
ture— that  their  fellow  christians  out  of  every  other  part 
of  Christendom  are  charmed,  enriched,  revived  and  strength- 
ened by  connection  with  them  ?  Behold  the  wonder,  and 
adore  !  They  found  it  in  the  Blood  and    Wounds  of  Jesus. 

The  Lord  was  pleased  to  raise  up  for  them,  and  through  them 
for  His  church,  a  man  in  whom  the  love  of  a  John  was 
combined  with  the  faith  of  a  Peter  and  the  devotedness  of 
a  Paul,  to  lead  the  way  for  them  to  these  arcana  of  the 
christian  Faith.  That  man  was  Zinzendorf.  Having 
tasted  and  enjoyed  the  grace,  having  proved  and  experienc- 
ed the  power,  of  the  blood  and  wounds  of  Jesus  to  make 
men  truly  blessed  both  in  this  life  and  the  life  to  come ) 
having  found  therein  the  true  centre  and  perfection  of  all 
holiness  and  love  ;  how  could  the  brethren  avoid  according 
to  the  human  instrument  that  just  measure  of  respect  and 
gratitude  which  they  felt  that  they  owed  him,  under  God  ? 
If  the  G-alatians  would  have  plucked  out  their  own  eyes, 
had  it  been  possible,  and  have  given  them  to  their  spiritual 
father  in  Christ ;  shall  we  wonder  that  the  Moravians  so 
honored  the  man  who  taught  them  how  to  apprehend  the 
all  saving  and  all-sanctifying  blood  and  wounds  of  Jesus  ? 

Yet,  are  not  the  Blood  and  Wounds  of  Jesus  the  sum  and 
substance  of  the  doctrine  of  every  other  portion  of  the 
christian  church,  as  well  as  of  the  Moravian  ? — Theoreti- 
cally they  are  :  and  therefore  the  Moravian  church  in  truth 
professes,  and  in  justice  demands,  not  to  be  regarded  as  a 
sect  or  separate  portion  of  the  church  of  Christ ;  nor  can 
her  living  members  (as  must  be  evident  to  every  reflecting 
and  unprejudiced  mind)  be  sundered  from  all  true  christ- 
ians, to  whatever  denomination  they  may  chance  to  belong. 

But,  practically,  we  do  differ  in  doctrine  from  all  other  de- 
nominations, in  our  making  the  blood  and  wounds  of  Jesus 
to  the  tvhole  of  our  teaching ;  whilst  this  Blood-theology 
(as  we  Moravians  term  it)  constitutes  but  a  part  of  the 
teachings  of  our  sister  churches,  which  insist  (some  more, 
some  less)  upon  other  matters  in  addition  to  this  "  founda- 
tion of  the  apostles  and  prophets." 

It  needs  but  little  insight  into  the  unsettled  condition  and  of- 
ten antagonistical  position  of  the  various  portions  of  the 
Protestant  Church — (not  to  say  anything   of  the   Roman 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  83 

Catholic  and  Greek  churches)  to  convince  any  man  in  his 
sound  senses  that  each  and  all  of  them  must  have  some 
certain  object  besides  the  cross  of  Christ  to  which  they 
cling,  and  but  for  which  they  must  and  would  "  all  be 
one."     For,  "  Is  Christ  divided  f" 

iNow,  whilst  they  all  differ  amongst  themselves,  and  would 
feign  regard  the  Moravian  Church  as  differing  from  them 
too,  we  can  say,  to  the  praise  of  Him  who  hath  made  our 
little  church  to  the  doorkeeper,  as  it  were,  of  that  treasury 
of  Christian  union — the  Blood  and  Wounds  of  Jesus, — Ye 
are  all  our  brethren  and  cannot  separate  yourselves  from  "us 
until  we  separate  ourselves  from  Christ. 

Wherefore  we  behold  in  the  divisions  and  schisms  of  the  Chris- 
tian church  a  necessity  for  our  preserving  the  Word  of  the  Cross, 
the  Blood-theology,  as  the  first  and  most  essential  character- 
istic of  our  Brethren  s  Unity,  until  the  day  is  here  when 
all  the  rest  of  the  christian  world  will  come  and  sit  down 
with  us  at  the  wounds  of  Jesus,  likewise  "  determined  not 
to  know  any  thing  among"  men  "  save  Jesus  Christ  and 
Him  crucified." 

Our  American  branch  of  the  TJnitas  Fratrum  has,  therefore, 
in  common  with  the  whole  Moravian  Church,  not  to  com- 
pare herself  with  other  churches  (she  is  incomparable), 
nor  to  seek  after  conformity  with  them  (she  conforms  to 
none  but  Christ)  j  she  is  not  to  stumble  at  the  fewness  of 
her  members,  nor  to  pride  herself  upon  her  littleness  :  but 
taking  heed  to  the  light  that  is  in  her,  and  watching  against 
every  spirit  that  is  anti-Christ,  let  her  put  away  from  her 
midst  whatever  does  not  savor  of  the  Blood  and  Wound? 
of  Jesus,  and  she  will  no  doubt  then  present  to  every  true 
believer's  heart  and  eye  that  bright  ideal  of  the  "  Bride  of 
the  Lamb,"  which  all  her  living  members  desire  to  have 
verified. 


II.     COVENANTING. 

It  is  a  truth  universally  admitted  by  Christians  of  every 
name,  that  all  true  believers  in  Christ  are  begotten  again, 
enlightened,  sanctified,  and  preserved  in  the  faith,  united 
in  one  spiritual  body,  the  church,  and  sealed  together  unto 
life  eternal  by  one  and  the  self-same  Spirit,  in  virtue  of  the 
Saviour's  blood.  The  doctrine  of  "  one  holy  cathol 
church"  is  assented  to  by  all,  however  different  the  opin 
5 


LC 


34  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

ions  may  be  respecting  the  visible  representation  of  the 
"  one  body  and  one  spirit"  in  the  christian  churches  here 
upon  earth.  Every  child  of  God  believes  that  the  Saviour's 
prayer  has  been,  and  is  still  being,  answered,  although  the 
sight  of  its  perfect  fulfillment  is  not  allowed  to  us  yet. 
"  Neither  pray  I  for  these"  (the  apostles)  "  alone,"  says 
Jesus,  "  but  for  them  also  which  shall  believe  on  me 
through  their  word ;  that  they  all  may  he  one ;  as  thou, 
Father,  art  in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that  they  also  may  be  one 
in  us  :  that  the  world  may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me. 
And  the  glory  which  thou  gavest  me  I  have  given  them  ; 
that  they  may  be  one  even  as  we  are  one :  I  in  them,  and 
thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be  made  perfect  in  one  ;  and 
that  the  world  may  know  that  thou  hast  sent  me,  and  hast 
loved  them,  as  thou  hast  loved  me."     John  xvii.    20 — 23. 

The  history  of  the  Christian  church  presents  us  with  the  most 
lamentable  spectacle  of  countless  divisions,  schisms  and 
heresies  from  the  earliest  times  up  to  the  present  day. 
And  were  such  not  the  case,  we  would  be  obliged  to  doubt 
the  assertions  of  Christ  concerning  His  church  and  His 
presence  in  her.  The  tares  and  the  wheat  must  come  up 
together,  the  good  and  the  bad  fish  must  be  enclosed  in  the 
same  net.     Matth.  xiii.  30.  47. 

Yet  the  spirit  of  Christ  is  a  spirit  of  holiness,  and  cannot 
have  communication  with  the  "  works  of  darkness." 
Wherefore  we  see  the  church  continually  laboring  to  curb 
or  cast  out  her  unworthy  members ;  and  by  means  of  coun- 
cils, creeds,  church-governments  and  discipline,  endeavor- 
ing to  preserve  the  purity  of  her  spiritual  children,  and 
prevent  the  entrance  or  encroachments  of  the  unconverted. 
And  with  all  the  efforts  made  to  keep  him  out,  the  enemy 
still cometh  in  "as  a  flood."  Nor  can  we  look  for  his  ex- 
pulsion until  the  day  of  our  Saviour's  coming,  when  He  will 
consume  that  Wicked  with  the  spirit  of  his  mouth.  (2  Thess. 
2.8.)  Such  a  thing,  therefore,  as  a  pure,  regenerate  church,  in 
which  nothing  unclean,  or  not  a  single  unbeliever  is  any 
more  to  be  found,  is  an  impossible  case  in  the  present  con- 
dition of  the  world.  But  so  is  perfect  holiness.  And  yet 
both  are  to  be  aimed  at — individual  "perfection"  and  a 
church  "  without  blemish."  The  latter  is  however  secur- 
ed in  the  former ;  a  holy  temple  must  consist  of  single 
stones,  each  holy  in  itself,  and  if  the  whole  building  is  to 
be  one  solid,  indivisible  body,  when  complete,  then  each 
stone  must  be  fitted  and  cemented  in  the  other.  Union 
between  the  single  members  is  that  alone  which  can  ensure 
a  perfect  union  throughout  the  whole  church.     In  their 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  85 

plan  for  effecting  this,  the  Brethren  ^adopted  a  system, 
which,  by  continually  reminding  them  of  their  union  with 
Christ,  strengthened  them  in  the  practice  of  that  holiness 
and  brotherly  love,  which  were  the  sure  bond  of  their  union 
with  one  another. 

Covenanting  together,  at  first  by  twos  and  threes,  in  bands 
and  classes,  (commenced  July  9th  1727)  then  in  choirs  or 
as  a  whole  congregation,  was  an  oft  repeated  occurrence  ; 
and  the  spirit  of  union,  the  only  true  congregation-spirit, 
was  thus  constantly  enkindled  and  revived.  The  kiss  of 
peace,  or  the  joining  of  hands  was  the  recognized  sign  of 
the  covenant  between  brother  and  brother,  or  sister  and  sis- 
ter, as  one  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  Head  of  the  church.  Love- 
feasts  and  choir-days  were  celebrated  as  covenant  festivals, 
for  which  all  were  prepared  by  being  reminded  of  the  cov- 
enant of  love  to  Christ  and  his  people,  in  the  speakings, 
pedilaviums,  prostration  meetings,  and  choir  homilies 
(23ierteU'3tunben),  not  omitting  the  especial  occasions  for 
partaking  of  the  cup  of  covenant. 

Some  of  these  customs  remain  at  the  present  day  ;  but  in  our 
American  Branch  of  the  Brethren's  Unity  the  most  of 
them  have  been  put  in  the  back  ground,  under  the  plea  of 
their  not  being  congenial  to  the  national  spirit  of  Ameri- 
can Brethren. 

"  My  kingdom,"  says  the  Saviour  "is  not.  of  this  world  ;" 
and,  with  all  respect  for  others'  opinions,  we  cannot  com- 
prehend what  nationality  has  to  do  with  church  observan- 
ces, which  are  begotten  of  the  heavenly  and  not  of  the 
earthly  spirit.  What  the  members  of  Christ's  church  in 
Europe  observe  and  uphold,  that  must  the  members  of 
Christ's  church  in  America  conform  to  likewise,  if  it  and 
they  proceed  from  one  and  the  self-same  Spirit.  Rules 
and  regulations,  customs  and  observances  instituted  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  and  having  nothing  else 
in  view  than  the  edification  of  the  different  members  of 
the  body  of  Christ  among  themselves  as  one  spiritual  com- 
munity, one  "household  of  faith/'  must  be  exceptionable 
in  themselves  if  those  who  are  of  one  spirit  cannot  unite 
in  supporting  and  preserving  them.  For  our  part,  there- 
fore, we  do  not  think  that  the  reason  why  choir  and  con- 
gregation festivals  have  degenerated  amongst  us  in  this 
portion  of  the  globe  is  because  we  are  Americans,  but  be- 
cause we  have  lost  to  a  great  degree  the  covenanting  char- 
acteristic of  the  Brethren's  Church  ;  and  it  is  not  over  the 
want  of  lovefeasts,  choir  regulations,  and  the  like,  that  we 


36  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOi>. 

sigh  :  but  we  lament  from  the  heart  the  feebleness  of  that 
bond,  which  must  first  cement  individual  members  of  the 
church  together  before  we  can  hope  to  see  a  truly  "  united" 
congregation  of  brethren. 

We  stand  more  in  need  of  a  renewing  of  the  covenant  be- 
tween man  and  man,  than  of  a  putting  of  heads  together 
to  concoct  a  plan  of  union,  so  cunningly  devised  that  saint 
and  sinner,  christian  and  unbeliever,  clean  and  unclean  can 
still  sit  peacably  together  under  one  church  form  and  work 
together  without  compromising  each  other's  principles. 
Away  with  such  devices,  and  give  us  back  the  simplicity, 
the  truthfulness,  and  the  open-hearted  spirit  of  our  fore- 
fathers ! 

( 'ome,  dear  brethren,  let  us  lay  our  hearts  together  and  once 
more  "  band"  for  the  preservation  of  the  churci< 


HI.    CHURCH  DISCIPLINE. 

i  fc  is  a  well  known  fact  that  the  ancient  church  of  the  Unitas 
Fratrum  was  distinguished  for  the  excellency  of  its  church- 
discipline;  and  its  superiority,  in  this  respect,  over  all  oth- 
er portions  of  the  christian  church  was  openly  acknowledg- 
ed by  the  great  Reformers  of  the  Sixteenth  Century. 

It  was  the  "sholy  living"  of  the  brethren  and  sisters  in  the 
various  congregations  of  the  Renewed  Church  of  the  Uni- 
tas Fratrum,  that  won  the  admiration  and  drew  forth  the 
applause  of  true  children  of  God  throughout  the  christian 
world.  It  was  this  peculiar  feature  of  the  Moravian 
Church,  that  provoked  the  envious  rage  of  nominal  christ- 
ians, and  exposed  the  "Jlittle  flock"  to  the  persecuting  ha- 
tred of  Satan  and  his  adherents. 

However,  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  congregation  at 
Ilerrnhut,  the  public  and  private  meetings  of  the  Brethren, 
their  choirs,  and  their  "bands,"  the  internal  and  external  ar- 
rangements of  their  peculiar  economy,  in  short  all  that  be- 
longed to  the  constitution,  government  and  especial  cure  of 
souls  in  the  church  of  the  Unitas  Fratrum  was  subjected 
to  the  most  rigid  scrutiny  of  both  the  friends  and  the  ene- 
mies of  the  Brethren  ;  and  the  result  was,  a  complete  and 
triumphant  vindication  of  the  excellence  and  superiority  of 
their  Church  Discipline,  together  with  a  candid  acknowl- 
edgment that  there  was  nothing  pertaining  thereto  which 
could  not  be  safely  allowed  and  conscientiously  observed  by 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  87 

every  member  of  the  church  of  Christ.  The  decision  of 
the  Lord,  given  "  by  lot"  to  the  brethren  at  Herrnhut  on 
the  7th  of  January  1731,  was  confirmed  anew  by  the  con- 
cordant testimony  of  civil  and  ecclesiastical  authorities  in 
christian  lands.  Hence  we,  to  this  day,  have  been  mindful 
of  the  will  of  God  respecting  the  Discipline  of  the  Renew- 
ed Church  of  the  Unitas  Fratrum,  and  still  adhere  to  the 
command  whichj  our  Fathers  received,  "  Therefore  breth- 
ren, stand  fast,  and  hold  the  traditions  which  ye  have  been 
taught."  2  Thess.  2.  15. 

This  is  therefore  the  jewel  which  the  Lord  himself  hath 
deposited  in  the  safe-keeping  of  the  Brethren's  Unity, 
through  the  keeping  of  which  she  herself  is  preserved  from 
weakness,  decay  and  death.  For  this  object  we  hold  in 
doctrine  to  the  crucified  Jesus  alone,  andEfor  this  end  we 
covenant  between  ourselves,  and  with  the  Lord — that  we 
"  may  grow  up  into  Him  in  all  things,  which  is  the  Head, 
even  Christ :  from  whom  the  whole  body  fitly  joined  to- 
gether and  compacted  by  that  which  every  joint  supplieth,  ac- 
cording to  the  effectual  working  in  the  measure  of  every 
part,  maketh  increase  of  the  body  unto  the  edifying  of  it- 
self in  love."  Ephes.  iv.  15,  16. 

The  church  being  "the  body  of  Christ,"  "the  fulness  of 
Him  that  filleth  all  in  all,"  Ephes.  i.  23,  each  christian 
should  desire  to  have  his  body,  soul  and  spirit  kept  in  such 
a  state  that  he  may  have  continual  access  to  the  fulness  of 
Christ,  and  thus  be  enabled  to  grow  into  the  image,  and  at- 
tain unto  the  full  stature,  of  the  perfect  man  in  Jesus. 
Herein  lies  the  virtue  and  blessedness  of  an  apostolic,  ho- 
ly, faith,  love  and  hope  supporting  church  Discipline.  It 
enables  us  to  be  helpers  of  each  other's  joy,  according  to 
the  gospel  precept,  "  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,  and 
so  fulfil  the  law  of  Christ,"  Gralat.  vi.  2.  When  admin- 
istered and  observed  in  the  right  spirit,  it  is  the  "  fan"  in 
the  hand  of  the  Lord,  wherewith  He  purges  his  floor,  and 
separates  the  wheat  from  the  chaff.  For  only  such  as  are 
filled  with  love  to  Christ  and  the  brethren,  and  who  with 
all  their  heart  are  following  after  that  holiness  of  life  which 
is  the  ornament  of  every  true  believer,  can  faithfully  ad- 
minister or  thankfully  receive  the  discipline  of  the  Breth- 
ren's Church.  To  every  one  who  has  not  the  spirit  of 
Christ  our  discipline  must  be  intolerable.  It  is  therefore 
a  Brotherly  Agreement  for  the  mutual  growth  in  grace  of 
the  members  of  the  church,  deriving  its  life  and  power 
from  the  consent  and  will  of  the  Brethren,  and  testifying 


38  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

by  its  exercise  the  measure  of  our  union   and  communion 
with  Christ. 

He  that  is  possessed  of  unfeigned  humility  and  has  a  modest 
opinion  of  himself,  will  desire  to  be  led  into  all  truth  :  and 
herein  the  excellency  and  perfection  of  the  Church-Disci- 
pline recognised  by  the  Unitas  Fratrum  displays  its  preem- 
inence to  the  discipline  of  every  other  denomination  of 
christians,  that  it  directs  and  supervises  every  tiling  that 
concerns  a  brother's  living  in  this  present  world.  It  leads 
him  in  the  way  of  holiness,  and  assists  the  labors  of  his 
head,  his  hands,  his  heart ;  it  blesses  his  earthly  ties,  and 
sanctifies  his  relation  to  his  fellow  beings.  It  enables  him 
to  make  straight  paths  for  his  feet,  and  helps  him  to  keep 
a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  God  and  man.  Hav- 
ing his  conversation  in  heaven,  he  is  in  constant  readiness 
for  the  coming  of  his  Lord. 

This  was  the  spirit  that  made  Herrnhut  to  a  ^ace-congrega- 
tion, and  gave  rise  to  so  many  other  congregations  after 
the  model  of  Herrnhut :  and  we  venture  the  assertion,  that 
this  is  the  only  spirit  that  can  secure  the  continuance  of 
any  place-congregation  or  preserve  our  church  as  a  distinct 
community.  For,  when  this  spirit  is  gone,  we  cease  to  be 
a  Moravian  Church ;  and  we  thereby  show  too  that  we  no 
longer  retain  the  first  essential  peculiarity  of  the  Unitas 
Fratrum,  the  doctrine  of  the  Cross,  the  Blood-theology,  in 
its  unmixed,  all-hallowing  purity.  We  have  then  left  our 
"  first  love,"  and  have  fallen  from  that  grace  of  God  which 
was  so  pre-eminently  bestowed  upon  us. 

Is  not  the  fleeting  shadow  of  our  once  so  vigorous  and  health- 
ful choir  regulations;  the  gradual  assimilation  of  our  breth- 
ren and  sisters  to  the  customs  and  ways  of  the  rest  of  man- 
kind )  the  transformation  of  our  place-congregations  into 
open  marts  of  the  world ;  the  adulteration  of  our  pure  and 
simple  church  music ;  the  aversion  of  so  many  of  our  peo- 
ple to  any  thing  in  our  public  teaching  that  savors  of  prac- 
tical piety ;  and  the  prevailing  disposition  to  cover  our  sins 
with  the  mantle  of  a  spurious  charity  instead  of  bringing 
them  to  the  light  that  they  might  be  made  manifest ; — is 
not  all  this,  and  much  more  that  might  be  said,  a  sad  and 
deplorable  consequence  of  our  perfidious  recession  from 
that  high  and  holy  standard  of  Church  Discipline,  which 
was  both  the  glory  and  the  crown  of  the  Brethren's  Unity  ? 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  3D 

IV.     CHIEF  ELDERSHIP  OF  JESUS. 

That  Jesus  is  "the  Head  of  the  body,  the  Church,"  is  ac- 
knowledged by  every  congregation  of  christians  throughout 
the  world.  To  Him  they  all  look  up  as  their  invisible  yet 
ever  present  "  Master,"  "  the  Chief  Shepherd  and  Bishop 
of  their  souls,  whom  they  all  obey  as  their  common  Lord." 
That  He  rules  in  the  heart  of  each  believer  and  superin- 
tends the  concerns  of  each  congregation  of  his  people,  at 
the  same  time  that  He  governs  and  directs  the  whole 
"  household  of  faith,"  is  disputed  by  none.  All  will  con- 
fess, too,  that  they  regard  the  government  of  the  Lord  in 
his  church  and  its  members  as  carried  on  through  the  Spir- 
it. And  therefore  they  are  ready  to  start  back  with  amaze- 
ment, and  lift  up  their  hands  in  pious  horror  at  the  daring 
assumption  of  a  church  which  boldly  declares  that  the 
Lord  presides  in  the  midst  of  her  elders,  and  directs  her 
affairs,  in  person.  Yet  this  prerogative  the  Renewed  Church 
of  the  Unitas  Fratrum  fearlessly  claims,  in  the  face  of  all 
the  christian  world.  She  points  to  the  16th  of  September 
and  the  13th  of  November,  1741,  in  attestation  of  the  fact, 
and  produces  the  testimony  of  men,  that  could  not  lie,  for 
the  truth  of  what  she  asserts.  Zinzendorf  and  Spangen- 
berg,  Wattewille  and  Dober  are  surely  no  despicable  wit- 
nesses in  bekilf  of  this  momentous  point  j  and  the  power- 
ful experience  which  some  hundreds  of  brethren  and  sis- 
ters in  the  congregations  of  that  day  received  in  confirma- 
tion of  the  Savior's  office  as  Chief  Elder  of  the  Brethren's 
Unity,  still  stands  recorded  on  the  undisputed  page  of  his- 
tory. The  Savior  condescended  to  take  the  government  of 
the  Unitas  Fratrum  upon  His  shoulders,  and  assured  his 
anxious  servants,  when  troubled  for  the  want  of  a  man  to 
watch  over  the  peace  and  protect  the  unity  of  the  congre- 
gations of  the  Brethren,  without  violation  of  her  doctrine 
and  discipline,  that  they  might  cast  all  their  cares  for  the 
welfare  and  guidance  of  that  church,  which  can  never  be- 
come a  sect  without  abandoning  its  first  principles,  upon 
Him.  He  engaged  to  be  its  Shepherd,  feeding  it  with  the 
doctrine  of  his  blood  and  wounds;  its  Counsellor,  assisting 
in  the  administration  of  its  internal  affairs ;  and  its  Head, 
uniting  all  its  members  in  one  body  as  a  Brethren's  Unity. 

•  This  is  what  we  understand  by  the  Chief  Eldership  of 
Jesus  in  the  Renewed  Church  of  the  Unitas  Fratrum. 
And  this  office  which  the  Savior  fills  in  the  Brethren's 
Church,  must  be  regarded  as  the  key-stone  in  the  ^  arch  of 
those  essential  characteristics  or  fundamental  principles  up- 
on which  the  Unity  depends  for  the  preservation  of  its  be- 


40  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

ing  amidst  the  changes  of  time  and  the  fluctuations  of  hu- 
man opinion. 

Shall  it  be  thought  a  stranger  thing  for  a  company  of  chris- 
tians to  believe  that  the  Lord  himself  directs  the  concerns 
of  their  peculiar  church-division,  than  for  the  individual 
christian  to  believe  that  the  Lord  has  a  special  hand  in  the 
ordering  of  all  the  circumstances  of  his  life  here  upon 
earth  ?  If  "  the  Head  of  every  man  is  Christ/'  I.  Cor. 
11,  3,  cannot  Christ  be  the  Head  of  every  church  division, 
as  well  as  of  the  whole  church  ?  Has  not  Jesus  said, 
"  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name, 
there  am  /in  the  midst  of  them/'  Matt.  18,  20.  "  Lo,  I 
am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world,"  Matt. 
28,  30.  ?  And  are  not  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  declar- 
ed to  be  "  Laborers  together  with  God,"  1  Cor.  3,  9.  ? — 
What,  then,  if  the  Brethren  hold  fast,  in  the  simplicity  of 
their  hearts,  to  the  word  of  Truth,  and,  with  the  power  of 
a  living  faith,  take  Jesus  at  his  word — "  Jam  with  you" — 
and  in  sincerity  lay  themselves  at  his  feet  under  an  over- 
whelming consciousness  of  their  imperfection,  humbly  en- 
treating Him  to  become  their  Chief  Elder  in  the  work  they 
have  been  appointed  by  Him  to  do  ;  and  He  is  pleased  to 
answer  their  prayer  and  not  put  their  faith  to  shame  ! 
Shall  we  wonder  at  the  credulity  of  men,  who  in  all  other  re- 
spects were  so  orthodox  ;  or  not  rather  admire  the  devotion 
that  desired  to  apprehend  the  Son  of  Man  as  the  one  unto 
whom  "  all  power  is-  given,"  "  that  in  all  things  He, 
"  Jesus,"  might  have  the  preeminence  ?" 

Either  the  christian  churches  in  general,  must  regard  the 
Brethren  as  religious  monomaniacs  in  regard  to  their  doc- 
trine of  the  Chief  Eldership  of  Jesus,  or  else  they  must 
imitate  them,  and  make  the  Savior  to  their  "pope"  or  their 
"  patriarch,"  their  "sovereign"  or  "presiding  bishop," 
their  "moderator"  or  whatever  other  church-officer  they  are 
pleased  to  have  for  the  governor  of  their  peculiar  church- 
system.  Would  to  God  they  would  do  so  !  And  not  merely 
profess  to  believe  that  they  who  belong  to  the  church  of  Christ 
"  are  members  of  his  body,  of  his  flesh,  and  of  his  bones  /' 
but  openly  venture  to  prove  their  faith,  by  recognizing  His 
personal  participation  in  all  that  concerns  the  life  and  ac- 
tion of  their  several  organizations.  Then  would  the  divis- 
ions of  the  christian  church  be  speedily  healed,  and  "  the 
Repairer  of  the  breach"  (Is.  58,  12.)  be  a  praise  in  the 
earth.  Then  the  ways  of  Zion  would'cease  to  mourn,  and 
the  Lord  should  be  known  in  the  midst  of  his  people,  and 
Ms  "  saving  health  among  all  nations."    Then  there  would 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  41 

be  less  contention  about  matters  that  do  not  profit  to  the  sav- 
ing of  the  soul,  and  instead  of  tearing  down  with  one  hand 
whilst  trying  to  build  up  with  the  other,  Christians  of  ev- 
ery denomination  would  mind  more  earnestly  the  things  of 
the  Spirit  and  keep  more  closely  to  the  word  of  the  Lord, 
that  they  might  be  the  better  enabled  to  know  and  to  do 
the  will  of  the  Lord.  Instead  of  looking  upon  the  congre- 
gation or  church  to  which  we  belong,  as  a  conventional  in- 
stitution subject  to  the  control  of  human  thoughts  and 
wishes  (more  or  less  directed  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  according 
to  the  measure  of  light  and  power  which  the  members  have 
received) ;  we  would  regard  it  as  an  inviolable  part  of  the 
body  of  Christ,  in  which  He  himself  is  personally  interest- 
ed. Filled  with  respect  for  this  one  division  of  the  church 
of  Jesus,  we  would  act  with  becoming  respect  towards 
every  other  portion  of  the  christian  fold.  Proselyting  from 
one  denomination  to  another  would  soon  have  an  end,  and 
the  work  of  evangelizing  the  world  would  be  carried  pea- 
cably  and  rapidly  forward.  Church-councils  and  conven- 
tions, synods  and  conferences  would  deliberate  with  an  eye 
and  a  heart  to  the  whole  body,  and  not  for  the  especial 
purpose  of  advancing  denominational  glory. 

The  past  history  of  the  Moravian  Church  is  a  striking  dem- 
onstration of  the  deductions  just  made;  for  such  has  been 
the  practical  experience  of  the  Brethren  during  the  one 
hundred  years  and  upward  of  the  Chief-Eldership  of  Jesus. 
How  gloriously  did  He  preserve  her  from  making  ship- 
wreck of  her  faith  in  the  sifting  time  (1745  to  1750) 
and  of  a  good  conscience  in  the  day  of  her  financial  diffi- 
culties (1750  to  1755)  !  And  whilst  the  greatest  diversi- 
ty of  opinion  has  at  times  prevailed,  to  the  disturbing  of 
her  internal  peace  and  the  threatening  of  her  external  uni- 
ty •  yet  the  reverence  and  homage  for  his  Chief- Eldership, 
and  the  acknowledgment  of  his  personal  attention  to  our 
little  Zion,  has  again  and  again  revived  their  sinking  hopes, 
and  caused  the  Brethren  to  lay  conflicting  notions  at  the 
feet  of  Jesus,  in  the  pacifying  assurance  that  He  would  or- 
der all  things  right  according  to  the  council  of  His  perfect 
will.  What  church  has  shown  more  anxiety  to  know  the 
will  of  the  Lord,  than  she  ?  What  church  takes  closer 
cognizance  of  all  that  transpires  in  each  separate  congrega- 
tion as  well  as  in  the  whole  extent  of  the  Unity,  and  at 
the  same  time  respects  and  cherishes  the  bond  of  union 
more  than  she  ?  Is  not  the  name  "  Brother"  a  Shibbo- 
leth amongst  Brethren  in  every  quarter  of  the  globe  ?  And 
with  all  their  attachment  to  their  own  church,  what  denom- 
6 


42  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

ination  of  Christians  has  more  respected  the  rights  of  their 
fellow  christians  and  felt  as  little  desire  for  making  prose- 
lytes, as  have  the  Moravians  ?  Their  unaspiring  zeal  for 
Missions  scarce  needs  be  mentioned. 

These  are  the  consequences  of  the  Chief-Eldership  of  Jesus. 
Shall  He  hold  this  office  any  longer  in  the  American  Branch 
of  the  Brethren's    Unity  ? 


V.    THE  LOT. 

"  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven/'  Matt.  vi.  10, 
is  the  heartfelt  prayer  of  every  child  of  God,  including 
within  it  not  only  the  inclining  of  the  heart  to  do  God's 
will,  but  the  enlightening  of  the  mind  to  know  his  will  in 
order  that  it  m;iy  be  done. 

In  all  that  pertains  to  the  everlasting  salvation  of  the  soul  of 
man,  God  has  been  pleased  to  make  known  his  will  unto 
us  in  the  Holy  Scriptures.  So  that  we  have  a  "  sure  word 
of  prophecy ;  whereunto  we  do  well  that  we  take  heed,  as 
unto  a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place,"  2  Pet.  i.  19. 
"And  whoever  searches  the  scriptures,  thinking  in  them  to 
have  eternal  life"  (John  v.  89),  can,  as  one  truth  after  an- 
other breaks  in  upon  his  mind  and  heart,  declare,  "  Thy 
word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet  and  a  light  unto  my  path," 
Ps.  119,  105.  Therein  he  finds  all  that  he  needs  to  know 
in  order  to  be  made  wise  unto  salvation.  As  in  the  case 
of  the  individual  christian,  so  is  it  with  the  church  of 
Christ.  His  word  is  her  directory.  There  she  reads  her 
Saviour's  will  concerning  her.  Thence  she  draws  her  rule 
of  conduct ;  and,  deaf  to  the  traditions  of  men,  she  only 
desires  to  "  hear  what  the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches." 
Eev.  ii.  7. 

But  whilst  the  word  of  God  is  so  replete  with  instructions,  as 
to  be  an  all-sufficient  guide  for  every  believer  and  church 
in  respect  of  the  "  way  of  holiness,"  that  one  and  all  may 
"walk  by  the  same  rule"  and  "  mind  the  same  thing;" 
yet  our  special  calling,  place  and  course  of  life  in  this 
world  are  not  revealed  to  us  in  holy  writ,  and  can  only  be 
known  by  the  indications  of  God's  providence  or  by  a  con- 
descending act  of  his  grace.  The  former  requires  an  en- 
lightened understanding ,  the  latter  a  child-like  faith;  and 
both  of  them,  like  the  word  of  God,  demand  unfaltering 
obedience :    and  of  the  three — the  word,  the  providence, 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  43 

and  the  grace  of  God — it  can  be  said,  they  all  agree  in  one 
— the  will  of  God. 

When,  therefore,  a  believing  soul  is  possessed  with  a  glow- 
ing desire  to  know  the  will  of  God — (and  the  more  it  is 
filled  with  the  Spirit,  the  more  eager  will  that  desire  be) — 
and  cannot  find  direction  for  the  moment  in  the  providence 
of  God,  it  has  the  privilege  allowed  to  faith — "  Ask  what 
ye  will,  and  it  shall  he  done  unto  you,"  John  xv.  7.  And 
this  is  our  plea  for  the  use  of  the  lot. 

No  man  can  have  read  his  Bible  carefully  from  Genesis  to 
Chronicles,  with  an  unprejudiced  mind,  and  not  confess  that 
God  repeatedly  made  known  his  will,  at  the  request  of  his 
servants,  in  other  ways  than  by  his  word  and  providence. 
And  if  "  all  scripture  is  profitable  for  doctrine/'  may  not 
that  portion  of  it  be,  even  though  the  exegetically  learned 
should  not  find  a  sanction  for  the  use  of  the  lot  in  the  elec- 
tion of  Matthias  to  the  apostleship,  Acts  i.  26  ? — The  an- 
cient church  of  the  Brethren,  therefore,  employed  the  lot, 
where  revelation  and  reason  pointed  it  out  as  the  only 
means  left  for  faith  to  use,  in  obtaining  the  will  of  the 
Lord.  And  the  Renewed  Church  of  the  Unitas  Fratrum, 
true  to  its  principles,  embodied  this  practice  amongst  the 
number  of  its  essential  characteristics,  and  has  adhered 
thereto  till  the  present  day.  During  the  fourteen  years 
previous  to  the  Chief-Eldership  of  Jesus,  the  brethren  made 
use  of  the  lot ;  and  it  is,  therefore,  not  (as  some  have  sup- 
posed) an  appendage  to  that  office  of  the  Saviour  in  the 
Brethren's  Unity.  He  governs  his  church  by  the  imme- 
diate exercise  of  his  own  will — by  the  direct  word  of  his 
power.  It  is  presumption  then  in  any  human  being,  to  ask 
for  a  decision  by  lot  when  the  will  of  the  Lord  can  be 
known  through  scripture  or  providence.  And  who  will 
have  the  temerity  to  maintain,  that  Jesus  directs  his  church 
by  the  lot  alone  ?  Hence  an  indiscriminate  use  of  the  lot 
is  "  folly  in  Israel,"  and  will  not  go  unpunished  by  the 
Ruler  of  his  people.  The  lot  is  not  an  expedient  for  shift- 
ing responsibility  from  the  shoulders  of  the  otherfElders 
upon  those  of  the  Chief-Elder,  or  for  shielding  the  peo- 
ple from  obligation  to  learn  their  duty  from  the  word  and 
the  providence  of  God. 

Wherefore  the  two  simple  rules  governing  the  Brethren's 
Church  in  her  use  of  the  lot,  are  an  all  sufficient  guide  for 
our  application  of  this  feature  of  the  church.  Firstly,  that 
the  lot  shall  only  be  made  use  of,  when  the  servant  (or  ser- 


44  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

vants)  of  the  Lord  is  utterly  at  a  loss  in  respect  of  know- 
ing the  will  of  the  Lord.  And,  secondly,  that  the  lot  is 
only  binding  upon  him  (or  them)  who  cast  it. 

Thus  may  we  safely  rely  upon  the  truth  of  God's  word,  that 
"  The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap ;  tut  the  whole  disposing 
thereof  is  of  the  Lord,"  Prov.  xvi.  33  ;  and  by  a  faithful 
use  of  it,  promote  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  church  } 
for  "  the  lot  causeth  contentions  to  cease,  and  parteth  be- 
tween the  mighty."  Prov.  xviii.  18. 

How,  then,  can  we'find  it  in  our  hearts  to  abolish  so  important 
a  privilege  of  the  children  of  God  ? — 


VI.     CONGREGATION-SPIRIT. 

Compared  with  the  rest  of  Christian  churches,  there  is  no 
point  of  difference  so  strongly  marked  and  so  strikingly 
characteristic  of  the  peculiar  modesty  (falsely  styled,  ex- 
clusiveness)  of  the  Renewed  Church  of  the  Unitas  Fra- 
truni,  as  that  which  bears  the  name  of  Congregation-Spir- 
it. For,  though  every  converted  brother  is  ever  ready  to 
address  each  of  his  unbelieving  fellow-men  in  the  language 
and  spirit  of  Paul  to  Agrippa,  "  I  would  to  God,  that  not 
only  thou,  but  also  all  that  hear  me  this  day,  were  both  al- 
most and  altogether  such  as  I  am,"  Acts  xxvi.  29  ;  yet  he 
would  not  persuade  a  single  christian  to  become  a  Mora- 
vian. .^With  an  attachment  to  his  own  church  amounting 
almost  to  enthusiasm,  he  would  not  desire  to  detach  a  sin- 
gle member  of  another  persuasion  from  that  division  of  the 
christian  church  to  which  he  belongs  and  bring  him  over 
into  the  ranks  of  the  Brethren's  corps.  To  win  souls  for 
Christ,  he  considers  to  be  the  unmistakable  call  and  privi- 
lege of  the  Brethren's  Church ;  to  assist  the  rest  of  fhe 
christian  church  in  bringing  a  fallen  race  to  the  foot  of  the 
cross  and  there  behold  them  transformed  to  christians,  is 
all  that  he  longs  to  accomplish.  But  to  be  a  member  of 
the  Brethren's  Church,  he  regards  as  his  own  especial  call 
and  privilege. 

Heartily  willing  as  the  Moravians  are  to  receive  every  true 
christian  into  their  brotherhood,-  and  great  as  their  joy  is  at 
welcoming  new  members  into  their  bond  of  union,  they  still 
reverentially  regard  it  as  the  work  of  their  Chief-Elder  to 
designate  who  shall  belongato  that  peculiar  church  which 
He  has  consented  to  take  under  his  special  direction,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVTNdlAL  SYNOD.  45 

\vhieh  has  given  herself  up  to  his  guidance  and  control. 
Those  who  are  born  in  the  midst  of  the  Brethren's  Church, 
are  trained  to  prize  the  privilege  and  not  despise  their 
birth -right.  Those  who  would  connect  themselves  with  it, 
must  see  and  feel  that  this  is  the  church  for  them,  suited 
to  their  spiritual  wants  and  provided  for  the  edification  of 
their  souls  by  the  grace  of  their  Lord.  He  must  have 
lodged  in  their  minds  (through  an  acquaintance,  of  course, 
with  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Brethren)  so  ration- 
al and  yet  so  firm  a  persuasion  of  the  excellency  and  per- 
fection of  the  peculiar  church-system  of  the  Unitas  Fra- 
trum — and  have  drawn  their  hearts  with  so  strong  a  chord 
of  love  to  the  Congregation  of  the  Brethren — that  they 
cannot  rest  until  they  are  united  with  this  flock  of  the 
Lamb.  This  is  what  we  understand  by  the  Congregation- 
Spirit.  And  every  one  must  acknowledge  that  this  is  no 
sectarian  spirit :  for  it  does  not  aim  at  building  up  a  party 
in  the  christian  church,  however  much  it  finds  its  joy  and 
peace  within  the  Unity  to  which  it  causes  us  so  strongly  to 
adhere.  It  is  no  exalting  self-complacent  spirit :  for  it 
feels  and  confesses,  that  it  is  only  of  grace  one  has  ever 
been  brought  into  connection  with  this  division  of  the 
christian  church. 

It  is  a  spirit  of  thankfulness,  humility  and  love,  for  the  priv- 
ileges we  are  permitted  to  share  in  the  Brethren's  Unity — 
a  spirit  of  meekness  and  kindness  towards  all  the  christian 
and  unchristian  world  beside.  It  is  a  spirit  of  consecration 
and  devotedness  to  the  Lord  and  his  church,  both  in  res- 
pect of  the  internal  life  and  the  external  activity  of  the 
Unitas  Fratruniw  It  binds  the  brother  to  his  church,  and 
his  church  to  him  for  evermore.  It  gives  assurance  to  his 
mind,  courage  to  his  heart,  strength  to  his  hands,  and  firm- 
ness to  his  feet,  in  the  believing,  joyful  and  abiding  con- 
sciousness that  he  is  one  with  the  Lord  and  his  people,  in  the 
furtherance  of  those  ends  for  which  the  Brethren's  Church 
has  been  ordained  of  God.  He  lives  in  the  midst  of  a 
brotherhood  that  has  for  its  aim,  theoretically,  experimen- 
tally and  practically  to  know  nothing  amongst  each  other  or 
amongst  other  men  save  Jesus  Christ  and  Him  crucified.  The 
sermons  that  he  hears,  the  hymns  that  he  sings,  the  prayers 
that  he  makes,  the  worship  of  the  sanctuary,  the  intercourse 
with  his  brethren,  the  discipline  of  the  church,  its  simple 
rites,  its  joyful  ceremonies — making  life  so  sweet  and  death 
so  pleasant — all,  all  is  full  of  Jesus  and  his  blood.  Con- 
tinually nourished  with  the  word  of  the  cross,  constantly 
inhaling  the  atmosphere  of  Grethsemane  and  Calvary,  ever 


46 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

walking  in  the  light  of  those  glorious  Wounds,  he  finds  in 
his  church,  in  the  fellowship  of  Jesus  and  his  brethren,  "  a 
heaven  begun  below."  "•  The  glory  of  the  Lord  fills  the 
house;"  and  his  heart  cries  out  with  joy  and  thankfulness, 
"  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleasant  places,  /have  a 
goodly  heritage,"  Ps.  16.  6,— "  Behold,  how  good  and  how 
pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity  !"  Ps. 
133. 1, — "  This  is  my  vest  forever  :  here  will  I  dwell ;  for 

1  have  desired  it."  Ps.  132.  14.  Here  his  heart  finds  all 
that  it  wants,  and  all  that  it  can  ever  hope  to  have  till  faith 
is  changed  to  sight ; — in  the  humbling,  sanctifying  influ- 
ences of  this  church-system,  he  daily  grows  in  knowledge 
and  in  grace.  He  would  not  sever  his  connection  with 
this  congregation  of  Jesus,  for  the  gift  of  a  world ;  and  in 
truth  he  can  say,  "  My  heart  is  fixed,  0  God,  my  heart  is 
fixed,"  Ps.   57.  7 ;  "  I  dwell  among  mine  own  people." 

2  Kings  iv.  13. 

And  yet,  after  all,  is  this  congregation  spirit  peculiar  to  the 
Brethren  ?  Ought  not,  does  not,  must  not  every  christian 
feel  so  towards  the  church  of  his  choice  ?  We  answer 
"  Most  assuredly."  But  whilst  in  others  this  spirit,  to  be 
consistent  with  the  principles  they  advocate,  must  find  its 
end  in  seeking  to  promote  the  growth  of  a  party,  in  the  ex- 
tension of  a  particular  sect  or  denomination  of  christians — 
(and  of  this  we  do  not  complain,  it  is  their  calling,  so  to 
say,  in  the  present  state  of  things) ;  it  only  inspires  the 
heart  of  the  Moravian  for  the  purpose  of  advancing  his 
own  sanctification.  With  them,  it  prompts  to  growth  in  out- 
ward numbers ;  with  us,  it  assists  the  growth  of  inward 
graces.  With  them,  it  is  the  external  adorning  of  the 
church  body )  with  us,  it  is  the  internal  beautifying  of 
"  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart." 

But  here  we  are  compelled  to  drop  the  theme  :  for,  from  amidst 
the  painful  reflections  that  fill  our  mind,  in  view  of  the  pre- 
sent abominations  of  desolation  that  have  long  been  stand- 
ing in  the  courts  of  our  beautiful  house, — and  through  the 
thick  clouds  of  incense,  that  are  daily  ascending  from  the 
multitude  of  altars,  that  have  been  placed  for  many  a  year 
already  beside  the  one,  on  which  "  the  Lamb  of  God,  slain 
for  the  sins  of  the  world,"  is  still,  though  dimly,  to  be  seen 
— we  seem  to  hear  aa  still  small  voice"  exclaiming, 

"  Such  was  the  spirit  of  a  true  Moravian  Brother" — and  we 
sink  down  upon  our  knees  with  the  prayer  upon  our  lips, 

"  0  Lord,  be  merciful  unto  us ;  and  take  not  thy  holy  spirit 
from  us  V 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  47 

VII.     HOURLY  INTERCESSION. 

The  grand  conception  of  the  Brethren's  Unity,  was  not  the 
offspring  of  a  human  mind — the  finely  wrought  production 
of  a  glowing,  rich,  inventive,  earthly  genius. 

Zinzendorf,  with  all  his  rare  originality  of  thought  and  hea- 
venly fervency  of  feeling ;  fertile  as  his  fine  imagination 
was  in  vivid  tropes  and  daring  metaphors,  with  which  to 
picture  forth  the  all-absorbing  passion  of  his  heart — his 
love,  to  Jesus — was  not  the  author  of  that  glorious  plan 
which  he,  together  with  those  other  mighty  men  of  faith  and 
love  began  to  execute,  when  on  the  12th  of  May  1727  they 
laid  the  first  beams  and  cemented  the  first  stones  within 
the  walls  of  our  Moravian  Zion,  singing, 

"  Herrnhut,  the  Most  High's  own  structure, 
Built  upon  the  grace  of  God."     ' 

None  wondered  more  than  they  at  the  extraordinary  manifes- 
tations of  God's  wisdom  and  grace,  and  none  were  more 
obedient  than  they  to  the  recognized  voice  of  the  Spirit,  in 
all  that  pertained  to  that  work  of  the  Lord,  which  they 
soon  perceived  that  they  had  been  called  to  do, — in  the 
founding,  establishing  and  building  up  of  the  Renewed 
Church  of  the  Unitas  Fratrum. 

Those  faithful-minded,  earnest  souls  that  had  left  their  father- 
land, for  conscience'  sake,  to  seek  a  place  where  they  might 
worship  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  word,  and  un- 
controlled by  any  other  spirit  than  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
himself,  were  mindful  of  the  warning  rule,  "  Beloved,  be- 
lieve not  every  spirit,  but  try  the  spirits  whether  they  are 
of  God."  1  John  iv.  1.  Human  plans  were  subjected  to 
the  severest  tests  of  revelation  and  grace  ;  nothing  was  un- 
dertaken at  a  venture,  however  specious  and  seasonable  it 
might  appear,  unless  all  hearts  were  convinced  that  it  was 
in  direct  accordance  with  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  or  it  had 
previously  obtained  the  sure  sanction  of  the  Lord,  by  lot. 
Thus  Herrnhut  was  established;  and  the  Brethren's  Church, 
under  the  unrestricted  hand  of  its  invisible  Builder,  rose 
up  a  noble  edifice,  composed  of  lively,  willing  stones,  which 
could  be  easily  moved  and  quietly  deposited  in  their  res- 
pective places  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  according  to  his 
own  good  pleasure. 

No  better  evidence  of  the  Spirit's  work  in  the  Brethren's 
Unity  can  be  found,  no  more  essential  characteristic  of  that 
"spiritual  house"  (I  Peter  2,  5.)  can  be  sought,  than  the 
spirit  of  supplication  and  prayer  which  filled  both  old  and 


48  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  BYNOD. 

young  in  the  pristine  days  of  Herrnhut's  glory,  and  the 
Memorial  of  which  is  still  preserved  to  us  in  the  observance 
of  the  27th  of  August.  It  was  on  that  day,,  in  the  year 
1727,  that  the  Brethren  undertook  to  kindle  a  fire  upon  the 
altar  of  the  Lord,  which  they  hoped  would  never  go  out 
as  long  as  the  Brethren's  Church  should  exist.  Then  they 
literally  fulfilled  the  word  of  prophecy,  "  I  have  set  watch- 
men upon  thy  walls,  0  Jerusalem,  which  shall  never  hold 
their  peace  day  nor  night :  ye  that  make  mention  of  the 
Lord,  keep  not  silence,  and  give  him  no  rest  till  he  estab- 
lish, and  till  he  make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  earth/'  Is. 
62,  6.  7, — by  introducing  the  practice  of  Hourly  Inter- 
cession. Other  churches  aimed  at  making  prayerful  chris- 
tians ; — these  christians  did  not  rest  until  they  had  a 
praying  church.  They  regarded  Prayer  not  merely  as  the 
means  for  obtaining  a  blessing,  but  as  an  end  for  which  the 
blessing  had  been  given.  Prayer  had  been  given  to  them 
by  the  Spirit  of  grace,  and  they  were  resolved  not  to  lay 
the  talent  by,  but  use  it  to  the  utmost  of  their  faith's  abil- 
ity. "  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in 
the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance 
and  supplication  for  all  saints,"  Ephes.  6.  18,  they  were 
a  living  demonstration  of  the  Spirit's  power  in  conforming 
the  christian  church  to  the  perfect  standard  of  the  gospel 
injunction,  "Pray  without  ceasing."  I  Thess.  5,  17. 

To  us  of  the  present  day  the  ways  of  our  forefathers  may  ap- 
pear extravagant,  and  in  nothing  more  so  than  in  the  hour- 
ly intercession  ;  for,  where,  in  the  congregations  belonging 
to  our  American  Branch,  at  least,  of  the  Brethren's  Unity, 
is  this  characteristic  of  our  church  still  retained  ? 

As  the  church  at  Jerusalem,  for  the  sake  of  preserving  the 
life  and  securing  the  liberty  of  a  single  apostle,  made  pray- 
er "  without  ceasing,"  Acts  12,  5  ;  so  the  congregation  at 
Herrnhut,  and  the  church  of  the  Brethren,  thought  the 
life  and  the  liberty  of  the  whole  church  of  Christ  hero 
upon  earth  worthy  of  their  continual  remembrance  before 
God. 

But  where  is  that  spirit  now  ? 

Alas  !  "  How  is  the  gold  become  dim  !  how  is  the  most  fine 
gold  changed  !"  Lam.  4,  1.  "Return,  we  beseech  thee,  0 
God  of  hosts  :  look  down  from  heaven,  and  behold,  and 
visit  this  vine,  and  the  vineyard  which  thy  right  hand 
hath  planted,  and  the  branch  that  thou  madest  strong  for 
thyself.  Turn  us  again,  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  cause  thy 
face  to  shine  \  and  we  shall  be  saved."     Ps.  80,  14.  15.  19. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  4Q 

CONCLUSION. 

Regarding  Moravianism,  therefore,  as  the  most  practical  de- 
velopment of  Christ's  theory  of  the  church  militant  that 
has  perhaps  ever  been  seen  since  the  days  of  the  apostles, 
our  "heart's  desire  and  prayer  to  Grod  is,"  that  the  Renew- 
ed Church  of  the  Unitas  Fratrum  might  prosper  in  all  pla- 
ces, and  that  all  her  members — especially  those  belonging 
to  the  American  Branch  of  the  Brethren's  Unity: — might 
"be  perfectly  joined  together  in  the  same  mind  and  in  the 
same  judgment,"  "  walk  bv  the  same  rule,"  and  "mind 
the  same  thing." 

Whilst  endeavoring  to  promote  this  object — "  that  they  may 
all  be  one" — we  should  be  sorry  indeed,  if  the  views  which 
we  have  so  freely  expressed  concerning  the  Essential  Char- 
acteristics of  the  Brethren's  Unity,  were  in  any  wise  to  mis- 
lead the  simple,  offend  the  weak  or  irritate  the  strong :  for 
we  certainly  cannot  be  accused  of  having  made  any  disguis- 
ed, unseemly,  or  provoking  attempt  at  turning  up  the 
ground  of  Moravianism  to  get  at  "  the  root  of  the  matter." 
If  this  root  of  the  matter  be  any  where,  it  ought  most  as- 
suredly to  be  within  us.  Wherefore  we  have  no  new  sys- 
tem of  tactics  to  propose  for  the  growth  of  the  Brethren's 
Church  in  America  j  but  what  we  most  desire  is,  to  see  the 
old  ones  revived  for  the  preservation  of  its  being.  And 
how  is  this  to  be  done  ?  By  "  taking  heed  to  the  light" 
that  is  still  within  us. 

There  is  evidently  a  falling-off  in  the  Brethren's  Unity,  and 
as  that  Unity  is  composed  of  individual  members,  we  think 
that  each  one  should  look  for  the  falling-off  within  his  own 
bosom — there  it  undoubtedly  is,  that  the  Moravianism  is 
wanting.     Make  that  right  and  all  will  be  right. 

If  Moravianism  has  been  brought  into  existence  through  the 
powerful  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  hearts  of  its 
founders— (and  who  doubts  that  fact  ? — )  then  that  same 
Holy  Spirit  can  be  the  only  sure  and  effectual  renewer  of  it 
in  our  hearts  and  lives.  Not  the  practices  only,  but  the 
spirit  of  our  forefathers  is  also  wanting  j  not  the  outward 
constitution  merely,  but  the  inward  life  of  Moravianism 
likewise  needs  a  renewal.  And  this  truth  the  Holy  Spirit 
has  been  pointing  out  to  us  for  years  already,  constantly  mak- 
ing it  plainer  to  all  classes  of  men  within  the  church .  Synods, 
conferences  and  church-journals  have  all  sighed  aloud,  and 
told  the  Brethren,  in  the  most  unequivocal  terms,  that  we 
have  great  cause  to  unite  in  praying  to  the  Lord,  "Turn  thou 
us  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  and  we  shall  be  turned  ;  renew  our 
7 


50  JOURNAL  Of  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

days  as  of  old,"  Lam,  v.  21.  Yet  we  have  not  done  so. 
Individuals  amongst  us  have  prayed,  and  been  renewed  : 
but  the  church,  as  a  church,  has  not  prayed,  and  therefore 
she  has  not  been  renewed.  The  Spirit  of  God  has  direct- 
ed us,  but  we  have  not  obeyed  his  directions  ;  the  Word  of 
God  has  commanded  us,  but  we  have  not  fulfilled  its  com- 
mands; the  example  of  our  Fathers  has  been  before  our 
eyes,  and  yet  we  have  done  as  though  we  saw  it  not.  Is  it 
not  so  ? 

Like  sailors  in  a  storm,  we  all  apprehend  shipwreck,  and 
know  that  our  lives  are  in  danger.  Our  vessel  is  in  part 
dismasted,  and  much  of  her  rigging  is  gone ;  rope  after 
rope  has  snapped,  and  only  a  sail  or  two  still  keeps  its 
place  and  bellies  to  the  wind ;  her  rudder  is  bound  up,  but 
her  flag  flies  bravely  in  the  gale )  her  anchors  begin  to 
drag,  and  her  timbers  to  start ;  she  has  sprung  aleak  in 
several  places,  and  her  crew,  spent  and  weary  with  una- 
vailing attempts  to  keep  the  water  out  and  repair  the  dam- 
ages already  sustained,  are  about  to  give  over  in  despair. 
What  shall  keep  their  spirits  up,  and  induce  all  hands  on 
board  to  unite  their  efforts  for  the  safety  of  the  ship  and 
the  preservation  of  their  lives  ? — The  captain's  voice, — the 
commander's  self-possession. 

Now,  may  we  not  regard  this  present  Provincial  Synod  as 
our  ship's  commander  in  the  Northern  province  of  the 
American  Branch  of  the  Brethren's  Unity  ?  Let  his  voice 
then  be  heard  above  the  murmurings  of  the  crew  and  the 
mutterings  of  the  storm.  And  if  he  can  say  no  more  than 
— "  Keep  your  spirits  up,  dear  hearts" — "Be  of  good  cheer, 
my  brethren" — "Hold  fast,  and  repent" — "Be  at  peace 
among  yourselves" — "  See  that  no  root  of  bitterness  spring 
up  among  you" — "  Make  your  calling  and  election  sure" 
"  Down  on  your  knees  !  pray,  pray,  pray,  that  the  Lord 
would  undertake  for  us  ;  for  our  help  can  only  come  from 
the  Lord" — he  may  render  us  all  the  greatest  service,  and, 
in  doing  so,  both  save  himself  and  them  that  hear  him. 

"  Blow  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  sanctify  a  fast,  call  a  solemn  as- 
sembly :  gather  the  people,  sanctify  the  congregation,  as- 
semble the  elders,  gather  the  children,  and  those  that  suck 
the  breasts ;"  "  let  the  priests,  the  ministers  of  the  Lord, 
weep  between  the  porch  and  the  altar,  and  let  them  say, 
Spare  thy  people,  0  Lord,  and  give  not  thy  heritage  to  re- 
proach." (see  Joel  ii.  15 — 17.) 

This  is  biblical,  spiritual,  rational  and  practical.  Wherefore, 
Brethren,  if  we  know  the  will  of  the  Lord,  let  us  do  it. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  51 

Appoint— by  lot,  if  it  please  you  so— a  General  Prayer-Day 
for  all  the  place,  city,  country,  and  home-mission  congrega- 
tions of  our  church  in  the  Northern  Province  of  the  Union. 
Invite  the  Southern  province  to  observe  the  day  with  us. 
Call  upon  the  English  Brethren  to  do  the  same  ;  and  en- 
treat the  European  congregations  to  intercede  for  and 
with  us. 

To  prove  the  sincerity  of  our  hearts  in  this  work  of  return- 
ing unto  the  Lord,  let  a  day  of  our  own  be  chosen— a  work- 
ing-day— and  not  the  Lord's  day. 

Implore  all  the  members  of  the  church,  both  old  and  young, 
to  keep  the  day— not  with  feasting,  but  with  fasting;  not 
with  rejoicing  and  music,  but  with  godly  sorrow  and  repent- 
ant tears;  not  with  idle  talk,  but  with  serious  meditation  ; 
not  with  parading  in  the  high-ways  of  the  town  or  neigh- 
borhood, but  with  going  to  "  the  house  of  prayer"  with 
the  multitude  that  keepeth  holy-day,  or  retiring  into  the  se- 
cret chamber  to  pour  out  the  soul  before  God. 

Request  the  merchants  and  tradesmen  to  lock  up  their  stores 
and  shops  for  that  day  ;  the  laborer  to  cease  from  work ; 
the  wives  to  provide  for  their  households  in  time,  that  they 
may  not  be  hindered  from  joining  in  the  prayers  of  the 
great  congregation  ;  the  mothers  to  take  their  babes  upon 
their  arms  and  come,  that  they  may  also  take  part  in  call- 
ing upon  the  Lord  for  a  blessing  upon  us  all. 

Is  the  experiment  not  worth  trying  again  ?  It  has  often  been 
tried,  as  we  read  in  God's  word*  and  in  the  history  of  the 
christian  church,  and  always  with  success.  Let  us  no  lon- 
ger resist  the  Spirit  and  the  Word  of  God  :  but  be  wise, 
and  follow  the  dictates  of  religion  and  common  sense.  Let 
us  humble  ourselves  as  a  people,  and  see  whether  the  Lord 
will  not  again  lift  up  our  heads  out  of  the  dust.  Instead 
of  counciling  like  gods,  let  us  go  to  praying  like  men. 
Who  knows,  but  the  Lord  may  turn  us  again,  and^  the 
Spirit  be  once  more  poured  out  upon  us  from  on  high ! 
Who  knows,  but  the  crooked  things  may  then  become 
straight,  the  dark  places  plain,  and  the  Lord  remove  for 
ever  from  our  minds  all  doubt  of  our  calling  as  a  "  pecu- 
liar people !"  Who  knows,  but  He  may  show  us,  as  He 
showed  our  fathers— internally  by  the  Spirit,  externally  by 
His  providence— what  is  our  mission,  and  assure  us  that 
He  is,  in  an  especial  sense,  the  Chief-Elder  of  the  Breth- 


*  1  Samuel  vii.  5,    1  Kings  xviii.  19,  37.     1  Chron.  xv.  3.    2  Chron,  i,  3. 
t  Chron.  xv.  9  ;— xx.  30  ;— xxx.  1 ;— xxxiv.  29.     Ezra  vih.  81. 


$2  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD 

ren's  Unity  !  The  memorable  experiences  of  the  13th  of 
August,  1727,  and  the  13th  of  November,  1741,  may  per- 
haps be  revived  among  us,  and  we  may  enjoy  a  season  of 
"refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord." — Amen  ! 


On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  above  was  laid  on  the  table  for  the  inspec- 
tion of  the  committees. 

The  President  proceeded  with  calling  on  the  different  congregations  for 
communications. — 

The  delegations  from  Philadelphia,  Brooklyn,  Staten  Island,  Camden, 
Emmaus,  Schocneck,  Lancaster,  York,  Graceham,  Gnadenhuetten,  Sharon, 
Canal  Dover,  and  Bethlehem  had  nothing  to  submit. 

The  delegate  from  Hoffenthal,  was  not  prepared  to  submit  communica- 
tions from  said  congregation. 

Br.  Wunderling,  in  behalf  of  the  Lebanon  congregation,  communicated 
the  following  preamble  and  petition  ;  viz  : 

"  Whereas  the  congregation  at  Lebanon  has  hitherto  received  a 
fixed  contribution  from  the  Sustentation  Diacony  towards  the  salary  of 
their  minister,  for  which  they  are,  and  shall  be  at  all  times  truly  thank- 
ful, and 

Whereas  the  condition  of  this  congregation  at  Lebanon  is  such  as  to 
render  the  unaided  support  of  their  minister  an  absolute  impossibility 
to  them, 

We,  the  delegates  of  said  congregation,  would  therefore  represent 
this  matter  respectfully  to  the  assembled  Synod,  and  would  furthermore 
pray  that  under  any  and  every  circumstance  the  sustentation  hitherto 
granted  may  not  only  be  continued  for  the  present,  but  be  increased  to 
such  an  amount  as  to  place  the  comfortable  maintenance  of  the  pastor 
of  this  congregation  beyond  a  peradventure. — 

By  order  of  the  congregation-council. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  above  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Fi- 
nance. 

Br.  Hagen  submitted  the  following  : 

"I  respectfully  request  the  Committee  on  Church  Publications  to  take  in- 
to consideration  the  expediency,  and  practicability  of  having  the  first  vol- 
ume of  Croeger's  History  of  the  Brethren's  Church  translated  into  the  Eng- 
lish language  and  published." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bechler,  the  request  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Church  Publications. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  offered  the  following  resolution : — 

"  Resolved,  that  our  congregations  in  Ohio,  Indiana  and  other 
western  states,  or  as  many  of  them  as  would  wish  to  associ- 
ate together  for  such  a  purpose,  have  the  full  permission  of 
this  Synod  to  make  an  effort  to  create  a  Sustentation  fund 
for  those  congregations;  and  for  that  purpose  they  are 
hereby  permitted  and  authorized  to  hold  Conferences,  com- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  63 

posed  of  their  ministers  and  lay  delegates  as  often,  and  at 
such  time  and  places,  as  may  be  convenient  to  them  ;  and 
if  their  efforts  should  prove  successful,  to  make  such  regu- 
lations in  regard  to  the  accumulation  and  disposition  of 
isaid  fund,  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  congregations  mention- 
ed, expressed  through  such  conferences,  may  be  deemed  ex- 
pedient." 

On  motion,  this  resolution  was  referred  to  the   Committee   on  Constitu- 
tion and  Church  Government, 

Br.  Clauder,  minister  of  the  Hope  congregation,  read  the  following  letter : 

To  the  Synod  or  Provincial  Elders'    Conference  of  the  Northern 
Districts  of  the  American  Brethren's  Unity. 

Dear  Brethren  i 

The  Committee  and  Council  of  the  congregation  at  Hope,  Indiana, 
desire  to  present  to  the  consideration  of  the  Provincial  Synod  or  of  the 
P.E.C.  the  expediency  of  making  a  renewed  effort  for  the  establishment  of 
a  Moravian  Female  Boarding  School  at  Hope,  in  support  of  which  meas- 
ure they  beg  leave  to  offer  the  following  considerations  : — 

It  is  not  necessary  here  to  enter  into  an  examination  of  the  causes 
which  led  to  the  abandonment  of  a  former  attempt  to  establish  such  an 
institution  here.  Circumstances  have  changed,  in  every  respect,  for  the 
better  since  that  time  ;  and  the  demand  for  seminaries  of  learning  of  a 
higher  order,  especially  for  females,  is  felt  and  acknowledged  by  many. 
The  state  of  Indiana,  in  common  with  many  other  slates  in  the  West,  has 
its  free  schools  for  the  education  of  the  young,  in  the  common  branches 
of  English  education,  but  institutions,  for  the  cultivating  and  training  of 
the  female  mind  are  as  yet  rare  :  although  other  denominations  of  Pro- 
testant Christians  are  zealously  engaged  in  their  efforts  to  provide  for  the 
public  want  in  this  department — and  thereby  to  counteract  the  insidious 
and  systematic  attempts  of  Romanism  to  get  the  education  of  Protestant 
Females  into  its  hands.  The  circumstances  of  many  of  the  citizens  of 
the  Country  are  such  as  to  enable  them  to  give  their  daughters,  that  best 
of  all  legacies — a  higher  and  more  refined  education.  And  many,  even 
of  those  in  our  own  vicinity,  it  is  believed,  would  gladly  patronize  such  an 
institution,  if  an  opportunity  were  presented  near  their  homes.  By  the 
increase  of  Rail  Road  facilities,  and  by  means  of  the  navigable  streams 
of  the  West  and  South  West,  our  place  is  of  ready  access  from  those  sec- 
tions of  our  Union,  where  the  character  of  our  Moravian  Female  Institu- 
tions is  favorably  known. 

Without  entering  further  into  details  in  favor  of  such  an  enterprize, 
at  this  time,  we  would  merely  ask  that  the  authorities  of  our  American 
Brethren's  Church  would  inform  us  how  far  they  can  aid  this  Congrega- 
tion with  their  advice  and  counsel  as  well  as  with  means ;  and  also,  what 
would  be  required  of  this  Congregation,  in  the  way  of  land  upon  which 
to  erect  the  necessary  buildings,  and  by  the  investment  of  capital  on  the 
part  of  private  citizens. 

We  authorize  herewith  our  Ministers  and  delegates  to  confer  with  the 
proper  authorities  of  our  Church  upon  this  important  matter*  in  order  ttf 


f)4  JotJRNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

ascertain  the  most  suitable  course  for  us  to  pursue  in  the  premises,  and  it! 
how  far  their  sanction  and  co-operation  can  be  obtained. 

H.  G.  Clauder,       Chairman. 

Philip  Essex,  ^1      T    ,   ,    ,. 

Calvln  C.  Blum,  I      In  behalf 

Sanford  B.  Shultz,      f  .,      ~         .. 
r, „nB  nTrt¥T„  the  Council. 

Jacob  Ulouse,  J 

The  letter  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Education. 

Br.  Clauder  then  communicated  the  following  Proposition — discussed  and 
adopted  in  the  Congregation  Council  at  Hope,  Indiana.  25  yeas — to  14 
nays.     March  17th  1855. 

We  believe  that  the  prosperity  and  usefulness  of  the  Moravian 
Brethren's  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America  would  be  greatly  ad- 
vanced, and  many  fatal  prejudices  disarmed,  and  hindrances  removed,  by  a 
separation  of  the  connexion  still  existing  with  the  European  branch  of 
the  Church ;  and  that  inasmuch  as  she  may  develope  herself  more  fully 
here  than  in  Europe,  "she  is  compelled  to  assume  an  independent  posi- 
tion"— in  her  government,  educational  and  financial  affairs — (see  min- 
utes of  Minister's  Conference,  Bethlehem  1852,  p.  10.) 

We  further  believe  that  such  a  separation  can,  and  ought  to  be  ef- 
fected in  a  peaceable  manner,  in  the  same  way  that  other  Protestant 
churches  in  this  Country,  have  long  since  separated  from  the  jurisdiction 
of  their  original  European  authorities,  as  for  instance  the  English  Epis- 
copal, the  Lutheran,  the  Methodist,  and  Dutch  Reformed  churches  ;  all  of 
whom  have  been  and  are  now  blessed  by  the  Head  of  the  Church  Uni- 
versal, and  whom  alone  we  acknowledge  as  our  Head  and  Lord. 

We  would  therefore  respectfully  suggest  that  this  subject  be  taken 
into  earnest  consideration  by  the  Synod  about  to  convene. 

H.  G.  Clauder,  (Chairman.) 
Joseph  Gambold, 
John  Clouse,  Jr. 
David  S.  Reed, 
Calvin  C.  Blum. 

The  proposition  was  referred  to  the  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and 
"Church  Government." — 

Br.  Clauder  next  read  the  following  : — 

The  Congregation  at  Hope,  Bartholomew  County,  Indiana,  in  coun- 
cil convened,  adopted  and  passed  the  following  Propositions  to  be  laid  be- 
fore the  Provincial  Synod,  to  convene  at  Bethlehem,  Pa,  in  May  1855,  viz. 

PROPOSITION  NO.  1. 

We  would  respectfully  ask,  that  in  such  of  the  decisions  or  resolutions 
that  shall  be  adopted  by  the  Synod  by  Aye  or  Nay,  the  names  of  the 
brethren  thus  voting  may  be  entered  upon  the  journal  and  published 
in  the  minutes  of  the  Synodal  proceedings. 

PROPOSITION  II. 

Sn  regard  to  the  number  of  lay  delegates  sent  to  the  Provincial  Synod 
of  our  Church,  from  the  Place,  City  and  Country  congregations,  w* 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  55 

would  respectfully  offer  the  following  suggestion  and  alteration. 
That  each  Congregation  whether  in  City,  Place,  or  Country,  be  en- 
titled to  one  delegate,  and  that  the 'additional  number  of  delegates — 
be  graduated  according  to  the  number  of  Communicant  members  in 
a  congregation,  which  graduation  be  arranged  by  the  Synod. 

PROPOSITION  III. 

We  notice  with  regret,  an  increasing  disposition  among  the  younger 
members  of  our  Congregations,  whose  parents  have  been  tried  and 
faithful  members  of  our  Zion,  to  leave  our  connection,  and  to  attach 
themselves,  either  to  other  denominations,  or  suffer  themselves  to 
sink  into  total  indifference  towards  Christ  and  his  cause  upon  earth ; 
in  view  of  which  we  beg  leave  to  say,  that  in  our  opinion,  this  state 
of  things  may  be  attributed,  not  only  to  the  neglect  of  a  wholesome 
parental  influence,  but  also  to  an  undue  adherence  to  rather  obsolete 
customs,  regulations  and  rules,  which  ought  to  be  Synodically  chang- 
ed, amended,  or  abrogated. 

PROPOSITION  IV. 

In  regard  to  the  use  of  the  Lot  in  the  final  appointment  of  the  elders 
and  ministers  of  our  church  to  their  respective  offices  and  posts  of 
duty,  we  believe,  that  inasmuch  as  its  use  has  been  abolished,  in  refer- 
ence to  many  subjects  once  considered  of  essential  importance  to  the 
well-being  of"  our  church,  and  its  members ;  it  should  also  be  avoided 
and  abrogated  in  this  respect ;  inasmuch  as  repeated  instances  have 
occurred,  proving  that  neither  congregations,  nor  ministers  recognize 
therein  a  direct  indication  of  the  Divine  Will. 

By  this  it  is  however  not  to  be  understood,  that  a  brother  appointed  or 
elected  to  any  post  of  duty,  or  office  in  our  Church,  should  be  debar- 
red from  an  appeal  to  the  decision  of  the  Lot  for  his  own  individual 
and  special  use  and  encouragement. 

H.  G.  Clatjder,  (Chairman.) 
Joseph  Gambold, 
John  Clouse, 
David  S.  Reed, 
Calvin  C.  Blum. 

The  second  and  third  Propositions  were  referred  to  the  "  Committee  on  In- 
ternal Arrangements,"  and  the  4th  to  the  "  Committee  on  the  use  of  the 
Lot." 

Br.  Clauder  next  submitted  the  following  : 

Enon,  Indiana,  April  %th,  1855. 

To  the  brethren  constituting  the  Provincial  Synod  of  the  Moravian  Church 
to  be  held  at  Bethlehem,  Pa,  in  May,  1855. 

We,  being  members  of  the  Enon  congregation,  request  of  you  through  our 
delegates,  that,  whoever  may  be  our  minister  hereafter,  we  be  allowed  preach- 
ing every  other  sabbath  as  heretofore. 

Signed,  Joseph  Robertson, 
Jonathan  Ford, 
John  Emdee, 
Conrad  Kocher, 


£6  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

The  President  then  read  the  following  communication  : — 

%n  Me  $>roiun$tal=  @t)n  obe  ber  83rubcr5.8tri$e  fur  ben  norb* 
lidbcn  £>tftrtft  in  5lmeri£a,  toclcfye  am  2ten  Wax)  fetcfe& 
3aljre$  in  &etftle&em  tfyren  Slnfang  nelnncn  ttnrb* 

$ tebe  n  33 r u  t e r : 

£>a  am  17ten  93tdr$  biefeg  3a!>reS  im  f)ie* 
figen  ©emeinratl)  mefyrere  Q3efd)lujfe  aba,efaf,t  nmrben,  urn  fie  ber  s})ro* 
Din$tal-e»nobe  oorjulegeri/  roir  aber  benfelben  unfere  Sujltmmuna,  nid)t 
geben  fbnnen,  fo  erlauben  roir  ung  l)iemit  unfere  SOteinuna,  unb  %m 
ftdjt  bariiber  ausnifprecfyen. — 2)iefelben  betreffen  nemlid) : 

1.  Srennuna,  ber  2Cmcrifanifd)en  ©emeinen  »on  ber  Q3rtiber4lnitdt. 

2.  Slbfcfyaffuna,  beg  2oofe§;  bei  ^fnftetlun^  ber  Wiener  unb  Wiener? 

innen  ber  ©emeinen  unb  Sftiffionen. 

3.  3\laa,en  uber  ben  93?ana,el  an  3uttitt  $ur  35ruber*.£ird)e  fo  tmler 

Winter  t>on  SDtttgliebern  ber  ©emcine; 
Unb   33emerftina,en   uber   bag   Liturgicuin   unb    unfere   ©e* 
meina,efdna,e» 

(5  t  fr  e  n  §  :  £)a  roir  gegenrodrtia,  SKitglieber  ber  5£riiber-©emeine 
in  £cpe,  unb  gUgleicr;  93?ita,lteber  ber  garden  Q5ruber4lmtdt  finb,  unb 
ung  aud)  auf  feine  SGBeife  yon  berfelben  trennen  rootlen,  fonbern  eg  als 
cine  ©nabe  unferg  lieben  Jperrn  anfefyen  93?ita,tieber  ber  Q3ruber-i?ird)e 
$u  fein,  unb  au^  bleiben  roollen  big  fet  ung  felbj}  in  t>k  obere  QSollen- 
bete  ©emeine  abruft. 

3  ro  e  i  t  e  n  §  :  ©en  ©ebrautfy  beg  Soofeg  bet  2CnfMuna,  ber  2>ie* 
ner  unb  ©ienerinnen  ber  ©emeine  unb  ifyrer  93?iffionen,  fetyen  roir  an, 
alg  eine  @nabcns©abe  beg  iperrn,  unb  fatten  eg  in  grofcem  $Bertl)e ; 
unb  befonberg  glauben  roir  ba§  eg  ung  gar  nidbr  jufommt  baruber^es 
fdbuiffe  $u  faffen,  fonbern  taf}  eg  etne  9lngelea,enheit  if}  fcie  nur  in  ei- 
ner  ©eneraU£t;nobe  ber  ^Bruber?^ircr;e  $ur  £prad)e  fommen  follte* 

$>rittengt  %n  Wnfefyuna,  t^  93?angelg  an  Sutritt  ju  unfe* 
rer  $ird}e,  fo  Dteler  jungen  5eufe,  bie  jicb  theilg  anbern  SKeligiong* 
QSerfaffungen  anfd)lief3en,  ttyeilg  fid)  ju  gar  feiner  balten,  mod)te  rool)( 
leid)ter  an  Ort  unb  ©telle  entgegen  gearbeitet  roerben  fonnen,  alg  baft 
ber  ^tjnobe  mbglid)  ware,  fotd)e  33efd)luffe  $u  faffen  bk  biefem  ftehlcr 
abhclfen  fonnten  ;  roenn  nemlid)  bie  Grttern,  93?itglieber  ber  ©emcine, 
thre  ^inber  tdglid)  im  (&tbtt  bem  jperrn  empfetylen,  unb  ifyr  gating 
«8eelenl)eil  3l;m  mel)r  an  fein  treueg  ^)erj  (egten  ;  rcenn  burd)  liebrei^ 
cr;e  ftdtjeruna,  beg  ^(rbeiterg,  fo  oft  alg  moglicb,  ibnen  ©elegenbeit  ge- 
geben  roirb  mit  bem  SQBorte  ©otteg  befannt  §u  roerbciv  fie  in  ba?>  red)* 
te  <8d)riftt>erfrdnbnif,  einjufufyren  burd)  ^Bibel-5cction;  ami)  fie  bin* 
lanattd)  befannt  mad)en  mit  ber  3}ruber*@efd)id)te  unb  bem  93^iffiong* 
5Berf  berfclbenf  ba$  fie  erfennen  lemen  bafc  cin  lebenbigcr  ©eif}  »on 
DUn  in  berfelben  gewirft  unb  gcrcaltet  l)at,  unb  nod)  roirft  bi^  biefe 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  57 

Stit,  feaf,  fte  tk  Sie&e  $ur  5?ifd)e  jiefje*  nkty  \m,  bemt  Salten  fie 
barm  nid)t  uerfenncn  rornim. 

Uc6er  bie  35emerfuna.ett  uOcr  bag  Liturgicum,  tr>c(Itcn  wlv  in  ^ie6e 
bemerfen,  ba§  wiv  fa>n  $u  rid  ucit  ten  uebUcfyen  (Sigentfyiimltcbfetteii 
ber  Sbrubcrs&irdje  baoen  einfcufeen  muffen,  ndnuut :  bie  birchen? 
Siraneu  unb  anberc  lituvajfcbe  93erfamtn(una,enj  al§  bafj  mir  bag  5Be- 
nige  welc^eS  roir  je|t  nod)  t^tiben^  ttriflig  wrlieren  fonuten,  unb  fcefons 
bere  n)imfdt)en  roir  im§  nie  r>on  unferm  liebm  Q3ru^cr?@efana&utf) 
(unb  ton  SfJMobien)  511  rrennen,  mltyS  roir  immer  fur  vtwrbia,  hats 
ten  an  bie  icziu  ber  l;etl.  €;$vift  ^u  jiellen>  auf  roelcfye  co  atleine 
a,ea,runbet  iji. 

X0oma$  S.  iifrcrg,  2fonag  93?.  Tiomingcr, 

(£i)rt|lian  S3aucr,  3Cbaw  Sifdjcl, 

3cfepl)  @pa«g.l),  SScnj.  TKommgcr, 

jjo&n  <B.  SRoefcitj,  55crn()art>  ureter, 

3cl;n  -icintact),  ©ccr<jc  grn, 

5>cfcr  Otrfbrotf,  £r;cmag  (Sflty/ 

3Cf>rar)ain  SButner,  §r.  Slc-mingcr, 

2Bittiam  Cannes,  ©cergc  better,  3tm., 
Sricfcrict)  2Cttg.  vvrttfcf>c,     @.  <£.  SScifcf, 

Salentin  @trac£,  SBifliam  J3acf|frin, 

3oljannc$  QSttmcr,  J$erman  28.  iufcers, 

ftyittp  25armc$,  Sari  ^ycdjt, 

Sc'ffc  Slcmingcv,  <Si)arfc$  3»  Severing,  ©en. 

^cijn  2Beci)lcr,  (Si^arfcs  3-  Sobering,  3u«» 

S:  35.  SBoettbr,  9ttartm  Struct, 

2Biliivuit  jfpcilmann,  Carl  ©tuebner, 

Scanber  2C.  £e8e,  9tyifip  Oiomingcv, 

3a«fc  SSttme*,  90fa>ri$  DJiitdenfccrger. 


Synod  took  a  recess  of  fifteen  minutes  :— * 

On  resuming  business,  Br.  Schweinitz  offered  the  following  resolution  : — 

"  Resolved,  that  Synod  have  listened  with  much  pleasure  and 
interest  to  the  memorial  presented  by  Br.  Kampmann ;  that 
without  endorsing  every  sentiment  therein  contained,  and 
without  binding  itself  to  the  adoption  of  any  of  its  sug- 
gestions, yet  in  view  of  the  important  views  presented,  and 
of  the  truly  Moravian  spy-it  which  it  displays,  the  same 
be  entered  on  the  Journal." — Adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Lcnnert,  br.  Eberman's  paper  was  referred  to  the  "Com- 
mittee on  Constitution  and  Church  Government." 

The  President  announced  a  communication  from  the  Board  of  Managers  of 
the  Home-Missionary  Society  of  Bethlehem,  which,  on  motion,  was  read  by 
Br.  Wolle  (Bethlm)  as  follows  :— 


58  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOI>. 

REPORT 

OP 

THE  BOARD  OF  MANAGERS 

Of  THE 

HOME  MISSION  SOCIETY  AT  BETHLEHEM, 

PRESENTED 

To  the  Northern  Provincial  Synod  of  the  American  Branch  of  the  Breth-* 
ren's  Unity,  May  2nd,  1855. 


With  gratitude  to  the  Lord,  who  has  blessed  the  exertions  of  our  Home 
Mission  Society  beyond  our  expectations,  we  review  the  operations  of 
this  Society  since  its  formation  in  the  year  1849,  and  give  Him  all  the 
glory !  The  same  spirit  which  called  this  society  into  existence,  has 
upheld  it  to  the  present  day,  through  the  grace  of  our  Lord  which  has 
visibly  acccompanied  its  labors.  As  it  would  lead  us  too  far,  were  we 
to  give  a  detailed  account  of  how  the  Lord  has  honored  us  to  be  his  in- 
struments in  the  extension  of  his  kingdom, — we  will  confine  ourselves  to 
a  short  report  of  the  present  condition  of  the  Society,  and  make  special 
mention  of  those  places  only  to  which  the  Lord  in  his  wisdom  directed 
us,  and  where  he  opened  doors  of  usefulness  for  us  in  the  field  of  Home 
Mission  labor. 

In  accordance  with  the  oft-repeated  wish  of  the  last  Provincial  Synod,  that 
the  West  might  be  made  the  principal  field  of  our  home-mission  ac- 
tivity, in  preference  to  the  large  cities  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia, 
— under  the  impression  that  the  latter  did  not  so  much  stand  in  need 
of  our  help  as  the  former,  because  of  their  being  supplied  with  Ger- 
man churches  sufficient  (as  was  thought)  for  the  wants  of  those  who 
longed  for  the  means  of  grace, — Brother  John  F.  Fett,t  formerly  a  di- 
aspora laborer  in  Switzerland,  who  had  come  to  America  for  the  pur- 
pose of  engaging  in  the  service  of  the  Lord,  if  occasion  should  offer, 
and  who  by  direction  of  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  was  laboring 
with  evident  Messing  amongst  the  numerous  Germans  in  Philadelphia, 
received  the  first  call  to  leave  that  post  and  proceed  to  Milwaukie  in 
Wisconsin.  He  was  there  received  with  much  love,  and  soon  collected 
a  little  flock  of  souls,  which  rejoiced  greatly  in  having  a  brother 
amongst  them  to  supply  them  with  the  word  and  sacraments  ;  for  which 
purpose  Br.  Fett  had  previous  to  his  departure  for  the  West  been  or- 
dained a  deacon  of  the  Brethren's  Church.  He  remained  some  time  at 
Milwaukie,  and  there  met  with  a  number  of  families  that  had  emigrat- 
ed from  Norway  and  Denmark,  some  of  whom  had  been  acquainted 
with  the  Brethren's  Church  in  their  native  land,  and  had  invit- 
ed a  diaspora  brother,  A.  M.  Iversen,  who  received  his  education  at 
the  Missionary  Institute  of  Stavanger  in  Norway,  to  accompany  them 
as  their  pastor  to  America.  Brother  Iversen,  as  well  as  his  countrymen, 
were  highly  pleased  to  welcome  Br.  Fett  and  find  in  him  an  ordained 
minister  of  the  Brethren's  Church.  Through  him  too  they  soon  made 
an  urgent  appeal  to  the  Home  Mission  Board  at  Bethlehem,  for  permis- 
sion to  connect  themselves  with  the  Brethren's  Church  ;  and  this  ap- 
peal was  accompanied  by   a  communication  from  Br.  Iversen   himself 

f  Br.  Fett  (ordained  Sept.  23d,  1*49)  left  Philadelphia  Oct.  3d,  1840;  arrived  at  Milwau- 
kie Oct.  14th,  1849. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  59 

(who  had  been  furnished  with  a  recommendation  from  our  diaspora  la- 
borer in  Norway,  Br.  Due),  stating  it  to  be  the  inmost  wish  of  his  heart 
that  he  might  be  allowed  to  enter  the  service  of  the  Lord  in  the  Breth- 
ren's Church.     After  mature  deliberation,  the  request  was   granted. 

Through  the  friendly  offer  of  our  brother  Otto  Tank,  these  people  found  a 
place  of  refuge  on  the  west  side  of  Fox  River,  opposite  to  Greenbay, 
and  having  moved  thither  with  Br.  Iversen,  they  took  up  their  abode  at 
first  in  the  so-called  Mission  house,  which  they  found  there,  until  they 
should  be  able  to  build  houses  of  their  own,  and  in  a  short  time  estab- 
lished the  little  congregation  of  Ephraim.  An  impulse  was  given  to 
this  undertaking  by  the  solemn  ordination  of  Br.  Iversen,*  which  took 
place  at  Bethlehem, — whereby  an  opportunity  was  afforded  us  of  be- 
coming personally  acquainted  with  this  dear  brother,  and  thus  con- 
vincing ourselves  of  the  uprightness  of  his  intentions  in  devoting 
himself  entirely  to  the  service  of  the  Savior  amongst  his  own  countrymen, 
without  paying  regard  to  his  external  comforts  ;  and  we  have  had  re- 
peated occasion  since,  to  be  strengthened  in  our  conviction  of  his  sin- 
cerity, and  that,  too,  in  the  most  affecting  manner.  The  Board  con- 
sented with  joy  to  give  the  necessary  support  to  the  minister  of  the  lit- 
tle flock  at  Ephraim,  whose  members  are  all  very  poor  ;  and  the  reports 
of  Br.  Iversen,  which  have  been  generally  published  in  the  Miscellany, 
bear  striking  evidence  that  his  labors  have  been  blessed  till  to  the  pres- 
ent day,  whilst  he  himself  has  been  called  to  endure  many  sore  and 
grievous  trials  of  various  kinds.  This  is  not  the  place  to  recount  the  cau- 
ses of  the  many  difficulties  with  which  our  poor  Norwegian  Brethren 
had  to  contend ;  suffice  it  to  say,  that  after  Ephraim  for  various  rea- 
sons had  finally  to  be  abandoned,  they  removed  to  Eagle  Harbor,!  where 
by  means  of  the  kind  assistance  of  a  brother,  they  succeeded  in  pur- 
chasing a  tract  of  land,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  a  homestead  for 
the  minister,  and  presenting  inducements  for  such  as  wished  to  settle 
there.  From  here  Br.  Iversen  made  excursions  into  various  parts  of 
Wisconsin  and  Illinois,  particularly  to  Cooperstown  in  the  former  state, 
preached  the  gospel  to  his  scattered  countrymen,  with  blessing 
to  their  hearts.  Every  beginning  is  hard,  and  not  only  the  Nor- 
wegian Brethren  experienced  this,  but  Br.  Fett  also,  who,  after  an  in- 
effectual attempt  to  carry  on  a  mission  in  Milwaukie,  was  induced 
by  circumstances  to  proceed  in  company  with  a  number  of  German 
families  to  Greenbay  .J  Here  he  met  with  a  friendly  reception,  and  af- 
ter a  while,  in  spite  of  great  difficulties  which  sometimes  seemed  to 
be  insurmountable, — and  which  we  prefer  to  pass  over  in  silence,  since 
we  can  now  with  heartfelt  emotion  exclaim,  to  the  praise  of  our  Savior, 
"  The  Lord's  hand  is  not  shortened  ;  He  knows  how  to  help  us  out  of 
every  trouble," — a  congregation  was  established  at  Greenbay.  By 
means  of  the  voluntary  contributions  which  Br.  Fett  collected  in  the 
various  congregations,  a  church  and  parsonage  have  been  built  under 
the  gracious  help  of  the  Lord,  affording  a  delightful  Ebenezer  for  such 
souls  as  are  truly  filled  with  a  sincere  desire  for  salvation  in  Christ, 
wherein  they  may  edify  one  another  in  accordance  with  the  rules  and 
regulations  of  the  Brethren's  church,  and  be  more  firmly  grounded  on 
that  Rock  which  cannot  be  moved.  The  members  of  Br.  Fett's  flock 
have  now  an  opportunity  for  showing  that  they  indeed  acknowledge 

*  Br.  Iversen  (ordained  May  6th  1850,}  moved  with  his  family  and  twenty  Jf  orwegian* 
to  Fox  River,  August,  1850. 

f  Br.  Iversen  moved  to  Eagle  Harbor,  1853. 

X  Br.  Fett  moved  to  Greenbay  at  the  end  of  August,  1850. 


60  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

(he  support  which  they  have  received  from  us,  whereby  they  have  lie  e» 
enabled  to  have  a  minister  amongst  them,  who,  together  with  his 
dear  partner,  has,  with  much  self-denial,  labored  for  their  welfare 
to  the  present  day,  with  evident  blessing — as  the  Brn.  Jacobson 
and  Seidel,  were  happy  to  notice,  when  they  visited '  Greenbay 
on  their  visitation  tour  to  the  Indian  congregation  at  New  Fairfield, 
and  were  present  at  the  consecration  of  the  newly  erected  Brethren's 
church.  For  more  than  a  yea;  already  this  congregation  has  ceased  to 
depend  upon  us  for  support,  under  a  sense  of  duty  to  provide  by  its 
own  means  for  the  wants  of  its  minister.  And  in  doing  this  they  have 
been  much  encouraged  by  the  example  of  Br.  and  Sr.  Fett,  who  have 
established  a  day-school,  not  only  thereby  to  exert  a  beneficial  influence 
upon  the  hearts  oi  the  young,  but,  also  to  lighten  the  burden  of 
their  church-members.  Greenbay  is,  however,  not  the  on!y  place  in 
Wisconsin,  where  a  congregation  has  been  formed  through  the  labors 
of  a  home-missionary  of  the  Brethren's  church  amongst  the  Germans, 
and  with  which  not  a  few  families  of  this  tongue  are  connected.  A 
number  of  them,  who  were  formerly  acquainted  with  our  missionary 
of  the  German  congregation  in  New  York,  Br.  John  Kaltenbrunn,* 
moved  with  him  to  the  neighborhood  of  Watertown,  where  a  new  and 
promising  field  of  labor  has  opened,  in  which  this  brother  ;s  engaged 
with  distinguished  blessing.  Nor  docs  this  congregation  look  to  us  for 
support ;  our  brethren  and  sisters  in  New  York  paid  the  travelling  ex- 
penses of  Br.  Kaltenbrunn  and  his  family  thither,  and  have  kindly  car- 
ed for  his  first  year's  maintenance  at  this  new  post,  for  which  may  the 
Lord  confer  upon  them  .an  especial  blessing!  In  the  course  of  the  pres- 
ent year,  a  church  is  to  be  erected  in  the  German  settlement,  where  Br. 
Kaltenbrunn  resides,  and  a  school-house  in  Watertown  itself.  Br. 
Kaltenbrunn  took  up  considerable  collections  in  our  congregations  for 
the  building  of  the  former,  whereby  he  as  well  as  others  had  renewed 
occasion  to  be  convinced  of  the  lively  interest  which  is  every  where 
taken  in  our  home  mission  work.  Br.  Kaltenbrunn  preaches  at  lour 
dilferent  places,  and  there  is  every  appearance  that  a  second  home- 
missionary  will  be  needed  in  that  quarter  before  lpng. 

We  said  above  that  Br.  Kaltenbrunn  had  been  stationed  in  New  York  city 
previous  to  his  settling  in  Wisconsin.  During  his  stay  in  New  York 
it  became,  daily  more  apparent,  that  an  unordained  missionary  was 
cramped  in  his  labors,  to  the  great  injury  of  the  work  in  which  he  was 
engaged,  wherefore  at  the  particular  request  of  the  German  congrega- 
tion in  that  city,  Br.  Kaltenbrunn  was  ordained  a  Deacon  of  the  Breth- 
ren's church  by  our  late  brother  Wm.  Henry  Van  Vleck.  This  leads 
us  to  speak  of  the  rise  of  the  German  home  mission  congregation  in 
New  York.  We  must  here,  in  the  first  place,  express  our  joyful  ex- 
perience, that  we  have  evidence  enough  on  every  hand  to  know  that 
the  call  to  take  an  active  part  in  helping  to  spread  the  kingdom  of  God 
is  not  in  vain  the  moment  that  it  comes  into  contact  with  hearts  desi- 
rous for  the  gospel  truth,  and  causes  them  to  bring  forth  new  and  living 
fruits.  Instances  of  this  are  to  be  found  in  the  Brethren's  congrega- 
tions of  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  Convinced  of  the  urgent  neces- 
sity to  do  something  for  the  thousands  of  immigrants  in  that  city,  the 
congregation  at  New  York  applied  to  the  Home  Mission  Board  for  a 
missionary,!  at  the  same  time  engaging  to  care  for  his  support,  inde- 

*  Br.  Kallenbiuun  (ordained  April  18th,  1852.)  left  New  York  for  Watertown  May  2nd- 
1853. 
t  Br.  Kaltenbrunn  stationed  in  Now  York,  in  September,  1851. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  61 

pendently  of  the  general  fund.  Wherefore,  Br.  Kaltenbrunn  was  first 
called  there,  and  after  he,  with  the  consent  of  the  Board  had  moved  to 
Wisconsin,  Br.  Ulrich  Guenther  supplied  his  place.f  He,  like  his  pre- 
decessor, devoted  himself  entirely  to  the  Lord  and  his  service,  with 
blessing  to  many  a  soul,  and  daily  came  into  contact,  on  his  missionary 
visits  through  the  city  and  out  of  it,  with  cases  of  utter  destitu- 
tion, which  called  for  the  exercise  of  his  charity  and  to  relieve  which 
the  Lord  oftentimes  furnished  him  with  instantaneous  means  of  help. 
The  congregation,  which  had  been  commenced  by  Br.  Kaltenbrunn 
now  holds  its  regular  services,  and  we  learn  from  the  latest  accounts 
that  a  delightful  spirit  of  brotherly  love  pervades  its  members. 

An  independent  congregation  of  German  Lutherans  in  the  city  of  Newark, 
N.  J.,  who  had  been  looking  out  for  an  evangelical  preacher,  without 
being  able  to  find  one,  applied  very  unexpectedly  to  Br.  Guenther  to 
become  their  minister.  After  candidly  assuring  them  that  he  neither 
could  nor  would  leave  the  Brethren's  church,  to  which  he  was  insepar- 
ably attached  from  principle,  and  that,  if  under  these  circumstances, 
they  felt  themselves  at  liberty  to  address  the  home  mission  board  in  refer- 
ence to  the  subject,  he  had  no  objections  to  their  doing  so, — we  received 
a  communication  from  the  trustees  of  said  congregation,  in  which  they 
expressed  their  view.;  and  wishes  in  so  heartfelt  a  manner,  that  we  felt 
ourselves  induced  to  permit  Br.  Guenther  to  accept  of  the  call; 
making  it  a  condition  however,  that  he  should  abide  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Brethren's  church  and  be  allowed  to  act  as  home- 
missionary  in  Newark,  as  far  as  occasion  might  olFer.J  They  wil- 
lingly entered  into  this  arrangement,  wherefore  Br.  Guenther  took 
up  his  residence  in  Newark,  and  labors  there  with  blessing,  as  is  evi- 
dent from  the  fact  that  the  handsome  church  of  this  congregation  which 
seats  four  hundred  persons,  is  so  thronged  each  Sunday,  that  they  think 
of  building  an  addition  to  it.  Br.  John  Pra3ger,§  who  had  been  filling 
the  post  of  an  assistant  to  Br.  Philip  H.  Gapp,  under  the  direction  of 
the  home  mission  society  of  our  congregation  in  Philadelphia,  was  call- 
ed to  take  the  place  of  Br.  Guenther  in  New  York.  It  was  very  short- 
ly after  the  Provincial  Synod  of  1849  that  the  congregation  at  Phila- 
delphia felt  itself  moved  to  manifest  its  love  for  the  souls  of  the  many 
German  immigrants  in  that  city,  by  the  formation  of  a  Home  Mission 
Society,  not  auxiliary  to  the  Parent  Society  in  Bethlehem.  With  the 
approbation  of  the  Prov.  Elders'  Conference,  a  home  missionary  was 
appointed  under  the  particular  inspection  of  the  minister  of  the  con- 
gregation. The  brother  employed  was  Philip  H.  Gapp,1T  who  is  still  in 
the  service  of  the  Philadelphia  society,  and  who  by  his  faithful  and 
zealous  efforts  has  succeeded  in  gathering  a  little  German  congre- 
gation of  Brethren,  for  whom  a  place  of  worship  has  been  rent- 
ed, where  he  preaches  to  them  the  gospel  and  dispenses  the  sacraments. 
In  the  autumn  of  last  year,  Br.  Gapp  and  Br.  Prager  were  ordained 
deacons  of  the  Brethren's  church  by  Br.  Jacobson,  upon  which  solemn 
occasion  it  was  gratifying  to  perceive  how  much  regard  is  still  felt,  and 
what  interest  is  to  this  day  taken  in  our  little  Zion. 

Besides  the  above  named  places,  new  doors  of  usefulness  have  been  opened 
unto  us,  within  the  last  two  years,  in  Utica,  in  the  state  of  New  York, 

f  Br.  Guenther  (ordained  July  28th,  1853)  took  charge  of  N.  Y.  Home  mission  congrega- 
tion May  2nd,  1853. 

t  Br.  Guenther  moved  to  Newark,  in  October,  1854 

g  Br.  Praeger  (ordained  Nov.  5th,  1854,)  moved  from  Philadelphia  to  New  York,  in  Octo- 
ber, 1854. 

11  Br.  Gapp  (ordfiiued  Nov.  5th,  1854,)  succeeded  Br.  Fett  in  Philadelphia. 


62  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

in  New  Haven,  Connecticut,  and  quite  recently  in  Worcester,  Massa- 
chusetts. From  the  first  of  these  places  an  earnest  request  for  help 
was  sent  to  the  board  in  the  form  of  a  written  communication  signed  oy 
a  number  of  persons,  some  of  whom  had  been  acquainted  with  the 
Brethren's  church  in  Germany  ;  whereupon  Br.  Guenther  was  com- 
missioned to  visit  Utica.  Being  favorably  impressed  with  the  prospect 
there,  he  reported  accordingly,  that  it  would  be  well  worth  trying  to  es- 
tablish a  mission  in  Utica,  for  he  had  been  assured  by  word  of  mouth 
that  (as  had  already  been  stated  in  the  first  communication  to  the 
board)  a  great  part  of  the  expenses  for  the  support  of  a  missionary 
would  be  made  up  by  the  people  there.  We  therefore  concluded  to 
give  the  charge  of  this  post  to  Br.  Valentine  Mueller,  who  came  from 
Koenigsfeld  to  this  country  about  four  years  ago,  in  the  hope  that  the 
Lord  himself  would,  if  such  was  His  will,  give  him  an  opportunity 
to  serve  him,  in  one  way  or  another,  as  a  gospel  laborer.  He  had  there- 
fore accepted  with  joy  the  proposal  made  to  him  by  the  American  Tract 
Society  to  become  a  Colporteur, — retaining  still  the  strong  desire,  that 
the  Lord  might  direct  matters  so  that  he  could  one  day  enter  the  service 
of  the  Brethren's  church,  upon  which  point  he  opened  his  mind  to  us 
in  writing,  and  to  Br.  Guenther  verbally.  We  felt  freedom  to  give  him 
a  trial,  and  therefore  called  him  to  Utica.f  Subsequently  however  diffi- 
culties of  various  kinds  opposed  our  progress  there,  in  the  many  varian- 
ces obtaining  amongst  the  Lutheran  congregations  already  established 
in  Utica,  besides  the  manifold  prejudices  of  the  so-called  old  Lutherans 
— and  above  all,  there  appears  to  be  but  little  hope  that  the  promise  of 
taking  a  lively  and  effectual  share  in  the  support  of  a  home-missionary 
can  be  fulfilled.  It  is  therefore  very  doubtful  whether  Br.  Mueller's 
stay  can  be  prolonged  there  ;  which  subject  lies  over  for  the  future 
consideration  and  decision  of  the  Board. 

Already  two  years  ago  we  were  invited  to  send  a  brother  to  New 
Haven,  and  several  ministers  in  that  city  having  most  kindly  prom- 
ised to  secure  us  assistance  towards  the  support  of  a  home-mission- 
ary, our  brother  Leonhard  Rau  J  has  been  stationed  there  since 
autumn  of  last  year.  Br.  Rau  was  educated  for  the  work  of  the  gospel 
in  a  Missionary-institution  in  Switzerland,  and  had  already  labored  in 
several  places  in  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  when  by  a  special  leading  of 
the  Lord,  he  was  directed  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia  about  a  year  ago, 
where  he  soon  became  united  in  the  bonds  of  love  and  christian  fellow- 
ship with  the  brethren  and  sisters  in  that  city.  The  latter  would  glad- 
ly have  kept  him  amongst  them,  under  the  conviction  that  his  gifts  and 
disposition  of  heart  adapted  him  for  becoming  an  excellent  assistant  in 
the  home  mission  service ;  but  not  having  an  opportunity  to  appoint 
him  to  a  field  of  labor  in  Philadelphia,  they  recommended  him  to  us, 
urgently  desiring  that  we  would  give  him  a  call.  We  therefore  invited 
him  to  pay  a  visit  to  Bethlehem  ;  and  as  the  Bible  Society  here  was 
just  then  looking  out  for  a  brother,  whom  they  might  engage  to  explore 
the  township  of  Bethlehem  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  every  family 
therein  with  a  bible,  they  resolved  to  employ  Br.  Rau  in  this  service. 
Having  accomplished  this  work,  to  the  satisfaction  of  all,  (of  which  the 
written  report  that  he  handed  in  to  the  Bible  Society  bears  witness,)  we 
felt  the  greater  freedom  to  present  him  to  the  Prov.  Eld.  Conference  for 
appointment  as  our  home-missionary  in  New  Haven,  with  the  request, 

f  Br.  Mueller  (ordained  Dec.  17th,  1854,)  went  to  Utica  in  June,  1854. 

i  Br.  Rau  (ordained  Oct.  3d,  1854,)  stationed  at  New  Haven,  Conn.,  in  October,  1854- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  63 

that  if  the  conference  would  consent  thereto,  he  might  at  the  same 
time  be  ordained.  He  was  accordingly  ordained  here  by  Br.  Jacobson 
in  October  of  last  year,  and  soon  after  set  out  for  his  new  post  in  New 
Haven,  where  he  met  with  a  friendly  reception,  not  only  from  those  per- 
sons there  who  are  attached  to  the  Brethren's  church,  but  also  from 
several  ministers  who  interested  themselves  particularly  in  his  behalf, 
and  expressed  their  regret,  that  in  consequence  of  the  Methodists  and 
Baptists  having  lately  opened  missions  in  that  city  and  stationed  preach- 
ers there,  his  (Br.  Rau's)  labors  could  of  course  not  extend  over  so 
large  a  portion  of  the  community  as  would  have  been  desirable.  Since 
the  beginning  of  the  present  year,  Br.  Rau  has  been  called  upon  by 
the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society  in  connection  with  the  appoint- 
ment which  he  received  from  us,  to  serve  the  Home  mission  in  Con- 
necticut, for  which  he  receives  a  fixed  salary  from  that  society.  The 
Conn.  Miss.  Society  having  expressly  declared  that  he  should  not  be 
disturbed  in  that  field  of  labor  to  which  we  had  appointed  him,  we 
willingly  consented  to  the  enlargement  of  his  sphere  of  usefulness. 
But  this  enlargement  was  not  to  be  of  long  continuance.  A  very  press- 
ing brotherly  invitation  was  sent  to  us  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morrison,  an 
episcopal  clergyman  of  Worcester,  Massachusetts,  who  wrote  in  the 
name  of  a  number  of  German  families  in  that  city,  requesting  us,  if 
possible,  to  send  them  a  missionary  of  the  Brethren's  church  to  be  their 
minister.  This  occasioned  us  to  request  Br.  Rau  to  preach  there  once, 
and  obtain  the  requisite  information  concerning  the  state  of  things  at 
that  place.  His  report  of  the  hearty  welcome  which  he  met  with,  and 
of  the  love  which  he  experienced  amongst  them,  was  so  encouraging, 
that  we  felt  induced,  after  maturely  weighing  the  case  of  the  thirty  to 
forty  families  in  Worcester,  who  were  waiting  with  the  most  ardent 
longing  to  be  supplied  with  the  word  and  sacrament  by  a  member  of 
the  Brethren's  church,  to  commend  this  place  to  Br.  Rau  as  his  future 
station;  and  this  we  did  the  more  readily,  as  advantageous  offers  had 
been  made  to  us  by  a  number  of  wealthy  friends  there,  who  have  the 
upholding  of  a  mission  amongst  the  Germans  much  at  heart,  and  by 
means  of  whom  the  pecuniary  burden  will  be  very  materially  lightened 
for  us.  The  confidence  of  so  many  worthy  men  fills  us  with  deep 
gratitude,  and  is  at  the  same  time  a  lively  appeal  to  us,  to  execute  the 
calling  of  the  Brethren's  church  with  conscientious  faithfulness.  What 
arrangements  will  be  made  for  carrying  on  the  work  already  begun 
with  the  little  congregation  in  New  Haven,  cannot  at  this  present  mo- 
ment be  determined,  in  consequence  of  an  urgent  request  having  come 
to  us  from  Hartford,  where  there  are  many  Germans  residing,  to  estab- 
lish a  home  mission  there,  and  if  this  should  be  undertaken,  then  both 
these  places,  which  are  only  28  miles  apart,  might  be  attended  to  by 
one  brother. 

The  home-mission  attempt  in  Indiana  remains  yet  to  be  spoken  of.  Br. 
Charles  Barstow  was  sent,  with  the  pleasing  hope  of  success,  to  the 
neighborhood  of  Coatesville,  Hendricks  county ,f  where  several  brethren 
and  sisters  resided,  who  had  originally  emigrated  from  Salem,  N.  C, 
and  latterly  from  Hope  ;  they  were  visited  from  time  to  time  by  a  broth- 
er from  Hope,  and  had  repeatedly  applied  to  our  boaid  for  a  stated 
home-missionary.  The  commencement  of  Br.  Barstow's  labors  there 
was  so  favorable,  that  we  rejoiced  the  more,  when  it  pleased  the  Lord 
to  crown  Br.  Barstow's  efforts  for  the  building  of  a  church  and  parson- 

f  Br.  Barstow  (ordained  April  18th,  1S52,)  arrived  at  Coatesville  in  January,  1851. 


64  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

age  with  success.  To  effect  this  object,  Br.  Barstow  had  undertaken  a 
collection-tour  after  Easter,  and  we  were  strengthened  in  our  hopes  of 
©nee  seeing  an  extended  home-mission  work  carried  on  in  Indiana. 
But,  alas  !  our  beautiful  prospects  were  eventually  marred ;  and  it  is 
with  the  utmost  regret  that  we  are  compelled  to  state,  that  we  were 
obliged  in  the  fall  of  last  year  to  withdraw  Br.  Barstow  from  Coatesville.f 
Time  must  show,  whether  the  urgent  request  of  the  few  families  be- 
longing to  the  congregation  there  to  have  another  minister,  can  be  com- 
plied with  or  not. 

Wc  have  yet  to  add  that  the  removal  to  Iowa  of  a  number  of  families  be- 
longing, in  part,  to  our  congregations  in  Ohio,  led  the  brethren  and  sis- 
ters of  Gnadenhuetten,  Sharon,  Dover  and  Hope,  Ind.,  after  having  ob- 
tained the  sanction  of  the  Prov.  Eld.  Conf.  to  unite  in  sending,  at  their 
own  expense,  a  brother  along  as  a  home-missionary  for  the  new  settle- 
ment; and  having  appointed  Br.  Hiram  MeyersJ  to  this  service,  he  was 
ordained  a  deacon  of  the  Brethren's  church,  at  Gnadenhuetten  by  Br. 
Peter  Wolle.  Of  his  labors  in  Iowa  we  can  only  say  thus  much,  that 
since  he  is  there,  he  has,  at  our  request,  also  visited  our  brethren  who 
moved  thither  some  years  ago  from  North  Carolina,  and  who  reside  in 
the  southern  part  of  the  state,  about  forty  miles  distant  from  the  place 
where  he  with  the  settlers  from  Ohio  have  made  their  home.  To  afford 
him  an  opportunity  of  visiting  the  brethren  at  Moravia,  whose  oft  re- 
peated wishes  for  a  home-missionary  of  their  own  we  have  not  yet  been 
able  to  fulfill,  we  gave  Br.  Meyers  assistance  towards  the  purchase  of  a 
horse.  Two  years  ago,  Br.  Barstow,  at  our  direction,  paid  them  a  visit, 
which  caused  them  great  joy.  We  have  moreover  been  repeatedly  ap- 
plied to  from  the  Northern  part  of  Iowa,  as  also  from  New  Orleans, 
Texas,  and  St.  Louis — (at  the  latter  place  a  considerable  number  of 
Hussites,  who  emigrated  from  Bohemia  since  the  revolution  of  1848, 
presents  a  particularly  interesting  field  of  labor  for  the  Brethren's 
church — )  but  have  not  yet  succeeded  in  finding  the  brethren  whom  we 
might  send  as  home-missionaries  to  these  different  stations. 

In  concluding  this  report,  it  remains  for  us  to  say,  that  the  presence  of  our 
Lord,  was  felt  at  the  meetings  of  our  board,  which,  with  few  exceptions, 
were  held  every  fortnight.  We  must  at  the  same  time  acknowledge 
that  our  littleness  of  faith  was  deeply  put  to  shame  ;  for  the  Lord  nev- 
er let  us  want  for  means,  and  assisted  us  beyond  our  expectations  in 
meeting  all  expenses. 

We  have  received  for  home-missionary  purposes,  since  the  commencement 
of  our  society,  $4329,  70  cents,  of  which  $180  were  for  life-member- 
ships and  $50  was  a  legacy.  Our  expenses  in  the  same  time  have 
amounted  to  $4196,  21  cents. 

We  have  reason  therefore  to  be  strengthened  in  our  confidence,  that  the  Lord 
of  the  church  will  still  acknowledge  himself  unto  us  in  future. 

To  Him  give  thanks  and  glory  ! 

CHARLES  F.  SEIDEL, 

President  of  the  H.  M.  Soe, 


|  Br.  Barstow  left  Coatesville  in  September,  1S54. 

J  Br,  Meyers  (ordained  April  2nd,  1854,)  left  for  Iovo  in  April  18">4. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  65 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle,  (Bethl.)  the  Report  was  referred  to  the  "  Com- 
mittee on  Home  Missions." — 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  offered  the  following  resolution  : — 

"Resolved,  that  the  "Committee  on  Home  Missions"  be  authorized 
to  send  for  such  Home  missionaries,  and  at  such  time,  as 
they  think  proper." — Adopted. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  that  the  above  Report  be  entered  on  the  Jour- 
nal. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  "  be  printed  in  the  next  number  of  the  Mis- 
cellany ;"  whereupon  Br.  Wolle  withdrew  his  motion. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  all  communications  to  Synod  be  entered  on  the 
Journal. — Agreed  to.  i 

The  President  communicated  the  following  letter  : — 

Bethlehem,  May  4th,  1855. 
To  the  President  and  Members  of  the  Moravian  Synod, — 

Gentiemes  : — 

Being  the  publisher  of  a  newspaper  in  this 
Borough,  and  as  many  of  my  readers  are  members  of  your  church, 
who  doubtless  feel  an  interest  in  your  proceedings,  I  have  undertaken 
a  daily  report  of  the  same,  to  be  published  weekly.  Believing  that  a 
diversity  of  opinion  exists  as  to  the  style  of  such  report  1  respect- 
fully suggest,  that  the  Synod  afford  me  access  to  the  minutes  from 
day  to  day,  for  the  purpose  of  preparing  an  abstract  of  the  whole, 
which  I  will  submit  to  any  committee  or  authorized  person  for  exam- 
ination, so  that  all  objectionable  matter,  if  any,  may  be  omitted.  Such 
a  course,  would  be  convenient  to  myself,  and  at  the  same  time  secure 
your  body  against  error  or  imperfections  that  otherwise  might  occur  in 
the  report. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  Servant, 

E.  H.  Rauch. 

Pending  the  discussion  on  the  propriety  of  acceding  to  the  proposals  con- 
tained in  the  above  letter,  a  motion  by  Br.  Luckenbach  to  adjourn  was  lost ; 
whereupon  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  moved  that  "  the  proposition  made 
by  the  Editor  in  his  letter  just  read  be  adopted  by  Synod,  and  that  a  com- 
mittee of  three  be  appointed  to  revise  his  extracts  from  the  minutes  accord- 
ing to  his  proposition."     Agreed  to. 

The  President  announced  that  he  had  appointed  the  brethren,  Bleck, 
Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  and  Rice,  the  committee  on  Br.  Goepp's  resolutions. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  moved  that  Synod  tomorrow  noon  adjourn 
over  to  Monday  next.     Agreed  to. 

On  motion,  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing : 

"  Sag  bciit  2Bcr£  «"tcr  tins  "  it.  f.  w. 


66  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

SEVENTH  SESSION. 

Saturday,  May  5th,  8  A.  M. — 58  members  present. 

Sung  :  4<  With  thy  presence,  Lord,  our  Head  and  Savior,"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Reinke  (Litiz). — Texts  of  the  day  read. — 

Minutes  of  yesterday's  sessions  read,  amended  and  approved. 

Bf.  Bleck  offered  the  following  resolution  which  was  adopted  : — 

"  Resolved,  that  an  advisory  committee  of  two  be  appointed 
to  aid  the  Secretary  in  preparing  the  minutes." 

Br.  Bahnson  presented  a  Manuscript  containing  some  Liturgies  compiled 
by  Br.  Levin  T.  Reichel  of  Salem,  N.  C,  at  the  instance  of  the  Ministers' 
Conference  held  at  Nazareth,  in  1853. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz  it  was  referred  to  the  "  Committee  on  Doc- 
trine and  Ritual." 

The  President  appointed  the  brethren,  Bleck  and  Blickensderfer  (Sharon) 
the  "  Advisory  Committee  to  aid  the  Secretary  in  preparing  the  minutes." 

The  following  resolution  by  Br.  Graeff,  was  Referred  to  the  "  Committee 
on  Church  Publications,"  viz  :  "  Resolved,  that  the  publication  of  a  Sunday 
School  Hymnbook  of  the  Moravian  Church  is  deemed  expedient  and  neces- 
sary for  the  use  of  the  same." 

Br.  Heckert  called  up  the  rule  of  order  offered  by  him  yesterday,  which 
elicited  debate,  and  amendments  altering  the  time  from  ten  to  thirty  minutes. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Holland,  the  matter  was  laid  on  the  table. 

The  President  announced  the  following  committees,  viz  : — 

The  Committee  on  Internal  Arrangements  of  particular  Con- 
gregations : — 

The  ten  brethren,  Bigler,  Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenh.) 

Reinke,  (Litiz)  Luckenbach, 

Wunderling,  Leibfried, 

Jordan,  Blum, 

Eberman,  (Lancaster)  Heckert. 

The  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual  : 

The  nine  brethren,  Hagen,  Bachman, 

Wolle,  (Litiz)  Weinland, 

Goepp,  Weiss, 

Clauder,  Busse, 
Jordan. 

Br.  Goepp  asked  to  be  excused  from  serving  on  this  committee,  as  he  was 
a  member  of  several  other  committees,  and  suggested  the  appointment  of 
the  President  in  his  place. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  Synod  excused  Br.  Goepp,  and  appointed  Br. 
Jacobson  in  his  place. — 

The  Committee  on  Revision  of  the  Printers'  extracts  : 

The  three  brethren,  Schweinitz,  Weiss,  Beckler. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  G7 

Br.  Schweinitz,  at  his  request,  was  excused  from  serving  on  this  committee, 
and  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  was  appointed  a  member  of  said  committee 
in  his  place. 

Br.  Bigler  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolution,  viz. : 

"  Inasmuch  as  the  name  or  title  of  our  church  is  much  mis- 
represented in  this  country,  and  has  given  rise  to  curious 
inquiries  and  foolish  misapprehensions, — and  inasmuch  as 
it  is  very  frequently  confounded  with  a  numerous  sect  in  the 
West,  also  styling  themselves  <  United  Brethren/  Therefore 
"Resolved,  that  the  "Committee  on  Constitution  and 
Church  Government"  take  into  consideration  the  expedien- 
cy of  changing  the  title  of  the  church  to  that  of  the  "  Mo- 
ravian Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America." 
— Adopted. 
On  motion,  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing  : — 

"  2Dir  geben  una  in  fcctnc  Jfpanb,"  u.  f.  w. 


EIGHTH  SESSION. 

Monday,  May  7th,  8  1-2  p.  M.— 60  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Oh  !  God,  my  gracious  God,  to  thee"  &c. 
Prayer  by  Br.  Kampmann. — Texts  of  the  day  read. 
Minutes  of  Saturday's  session,  read,  amended  and  adopted. 
Br.  Oehler,  minister  and  delegate  from  Hopedale,  communicated  the  fol- 
lowing : — 

%n  bte  ^rot)ingiaI=et)itobe  bc$  ndrbltc&en  SBegtrB  bet  $8tji* 
fccrsUnttdt  in  ben  ©cteittigten  ^taatcnfcon  9ftorb*5ltttertta. 

Jperjlid)  g e t ie b t e  35  r  u  b  e  r : — 

3n  dner  aufcerotbentlicfyen  ^erfammluna,  am  llten9Dvar$  biefeS  3ah* 
re£  fuhlte  [id)  bit  (jiefuje  ©emeine  aufa,erea,t  ein  ©cfyreiben  an  tie 
^ProMnjiatsS^nobe  ju  ricbren,  urn  in  bemfelben  il>re  2)anf^efub(c 
au$$ufpred)en,  unb  beauftraa,te  bie  ber$eitia,e  Committee  ber  ©e* 
meine,  biefen  QSefcblujj  »«  ^uefubruna,  ju  brinani,  nacfybem  bit 
©emeine  berfelben  ibre  SReiming  ju  etfennen  a,egeben  hatte. 

3rtbem  roir  nun  unfere  SpfCid>t  serciffenhaft  abjulegen  6emuht  fem 
roo'Jen,  fo  beamnen  rott  juerjt  mit  bem  fyerjlichen  £>anf>  ben  bte 
hiefige  ©emeine  ber  €»nobe  fchutbet,  unb  baoon  aud)  ttottia,  burd)* 
brunam  ifi>  inbem  unfere  ©emeine,  con  il)rem  erfrcn  (£ntfrehen 
an,  fo  welfare  93erceife  son  Siebe  unb  SiebeStbaten  erbatten  hat,  ja 
obne  biefe  her^licfye  theilnabme  unb  Unterfru|una,,  roobl  nte  an  ber 
©runbuna,  einer  Q5ruber*®emeine  alll>tcr  hatte  ^ebad)t  roerben 
fbnnen. 


68  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD, 

$Benn  roir  nlfo,  nddbfi  ter  $arml)er$igfeit  unfercS  lieben  JpeilanbeS, 
(£ucb  ate  bie  ©runber  unb  jum  gro^en  Sfyeil  ami)  af&  (£rf)alter 
unfere*  Q3ruber-j?ird)Iein$  atlbier  an,$ufef)en  fyaben,  unb  aud)  fo 
anfel;enf  inbem  rrt'r  ja  big  biefe  etunbe,  buret)  unfere  duf,ere  %v* 
mutt),  i?erl)inbert  finb  unferem  3irbeiter  einen  orbenttid)en  Unter* 
fyatt  ju  Dcrfdbaffen — fo  fiifolen  noir  uns  urn  fo  mel  mefyr  yerbun- 
ben,  (£ucb  bod)  einmal  fd)riftlid)  unfere  fDanf&arfeit  §u  bejeugen. 
91id)t  nur  l)abt  3t)r  ung  feit  bem  SBcjJefjen  tyieftger  ©emetne,  je- 
ber^eit  mit  5et;rer  Derfeben,  benen  e§  etn  SrojJ  rear,  unferneees 
ten  bem  £amme  $ujufitl)ren,  fenbern  wurben  aud)  son  )dbrttd)e 
sBefucbe  you  ber  ^3rot>.  %tit.  (Sonferenj  erfreut,  ruetcbe  unS  im- 
mer  ju  grofcem  Cegen  roaren,  unb  fyaben  nod)  jeberjeit  bie  %\a 
besfyarmonie  frdfrig  gejrdrf't.  Ottdtf  nur  fyabr  3^r  unfere  2lrbeis 
rer,  eingebenf  unferer  SIrmutf),  fofrdftig  unterftufcr,  fonbern  l)abt 
ting,  roenn  unfere  ivrdfte  nicbt  a\\$xi\tyUxit  uns  an  bem  5?ird)en* 
lanb  yerbeffern  f)etfen,  unb  baburd)  unferen  ^rebtger  einen  ge- 
wifferen  Unterfjalt  yerfebafft.  Unb  rreil  mir  nur  einen  febrtms 
dben>  aber  ber^lid)  gemeinten  3>anf  (£ucb  fur  atle  (Jure  Zkbe, 
SDculje  unb  <£orgen  barbrtngen  fonnen,  beugt  es>  uns  urn  fo  tie fer, 
baf3  roir  (£ud),  nad)bem  ber  ipeitanb  fd)on  fo  yiele  9)h'tf)e,  burd) 
feine  Wiener,  an  uns  gerr-anbt  bar,  inbem  regelmdfcig  has  tbeuere 
£yangctium  mit  ©eift  unb  eatbung  uns  iff  yerfunbigt  raorben 
— bte  fyeiligen  eacramente  ju  redder  3tit  gebanbfyabt  rcerben 
fbnnten — unfere  3ugenb  in  ber  cbrifHid)en  9ieligton  ffefjjtg  un* 
terricbtet  rcurbe — hk  gefegnete  ijauebefudK  nicbt  yerfaumt — unb 
JFranf'en  unb  urn  ^roft  yertegenen  jugefprocben  rrerben  fonnte ; — 
nacbbem  atle  biefe  vgegnungen  in  reicbem  9Jcaa§e  er^eigt  roaren 
— baf;  rt)ir  eud)  nicbt  mefyr  $riid)te  fur  atle  biefe  3?emu{)una,en 
$eigen  fonnen.  £>ie  ecbulb  tiegt  an  un* ;  "  Unfre  £ulb  unb 
ftreubigfeit  gegen  Sefum  feit  ber  3u<)enb,  mad)t  ben  £trid)  burd) 
atle  Sugcnb." 

Tcamentticb  muffen  rotr  befd)dmt  befennenf  baj;  rt>tr  in  ber  ttjatfrdfj: 
tige  5t)eitnal)me  an  ber  2(u?breitung  be§  9vetcbe§  @otte^  nod^)  fo 
rveit  juruefgebtieben  finb.  ^Bcnn  un§  nun  tkfc  eetbjlbeftra* 
fung  in  eine  fchmer^ltcbe  9veue  unb  Q^u^e  ju  unferem  tieben  ^errn 
t)inleitetf  unb  uietfad)e  ltrfad)e  \jabm  ^t)n  anjuffefyen,  taf3  ^r 
feine  Xpanb  nid)t  oon  un?  ^iebef  fonbern  @5nabe  r-or  9Ced)t  ergef)en 
laffef  unb  3l)n  urn  eine  neue  ©eifteetaufe  bitten  muffen, — fo  wens 
ben  roir  unz  auct)  an  (£ucb>  geliebte  ^ruber,  mit  ber  t)er^ticben 
33itte;  rr-erbet  auft)  3br  nid)t  mube  an  un§,  fonbern  beret  fur 
unjv  unb  laffet  nicbt  ab  un§  jn  ermabnen  rr-o  rr-ir  fel)Ien,  ja  ^iet)t 
(Jure  vfanb  nicbt  yon  un§  ^urucf .  5Bir  f6nnen  and)  freitid)  auf 
ntcbts  t)tnroeifen  at?  auf  ben  QSergetter  alld->  ©uten.  2>er  ^)ei* 
lanb  l)at  fein  SfBerf  unter  uno ;  e§  berr-eifet  fid)  ^in  unb  wieber. 
%&)  bafj  feine  eiege  nur  t)dufiger  rodren ! 

(5r  t)at  un§  biefen  Garten  Winter  mit  Sfyeucrung,  ^ranft)eit;  unb  felbfl 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  09 

tern  $obe   Ijdmgefudjt;   moge  e$  3fcm  gelingcn  aucl)  baburcb 
kidjun  (Singatupn  unfere  £>er$en  ju  finben. 

3nbem  wiv  uns  nun  (£urer  ferneren  Siebe  unb  Sheilnahme  angele* 
gentlid)ft  empfeblem  grujjen  Suc^  (jerjlid)  (£uere  geringen  Q3riiber 
im  Jperrn,  tie  ©emeine  $u  £offenthal,  unb  in  beren  ^luftra^  tie 
&er$dtige 

Committee  &er  (Bemetne. 
2Son  bem  ©emeinratf)  einfHmmig  angenommem 

Jpoffmtfjal,  ben  lOten  2Cpril,  1855. 

(Bottiieb  $.  (Debfer, 

QSorfi&er. 


Br.  Reinke  (Litiz)  moved  that  this  letter  be  laid  on  the  table. 
Br.  Bleck  moved  to  amend  "  to  place  on  file." 
The  motion  as  amended  was  agreed  to. 
Br.  Oehler  next  submitted  the 

PETITION 

To  THE  NORTHERN   BRANCH  OF  THE  UNITED   BRETHREN  CHURCH  IN  AMER- 
ICA in  Synod  assembled: 

Whereas  the  congregation  at  Hopedale,  Pa.,  has  been  assisted  by  the  Sus- 
tentation  Diacony  in  the  erection  of  a  church-building  and  parsonage, 
in  purchasing  land  and  in  improving  the  same,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
residing  minister,  and  whereas  in  the  course  of  time,  the  church-build- 
ing and  parsonage  became  so  delapidated  that  new  buildings  had  to  be 
erected,  which  the  congregation  could  not  build  out  of  their  own  re- 
sources, and  by  urgent  entreaties  were  again  assisted,  thereby  becoming 
involved  in  a  considerable  debt ;  but  whereas  the  congregation  is  yet 
so  poor  that  they  are  not  able  to  pay  the  interest  and  the  capital,  and 
as  the  debt  as  it  stands  against  them,  mars  the  interest  of  the  church. — 

They  therefore  respectfully  pray  that  they  may  be  released  of  this  debt,  and 
that  the  small  amount  of  money  about  to  be  received  for  the  sale  of 
land  off  the  the  church-lot,  be  erected  into  a  fund  for  the  benefit  of  their 
minister ;  and  that  the  remaining  part  of  the  land,  purchased  by  the 
Bininger's  benefice,  be  made  the  property  of  the  church  so  long  as  it 
shall  remain  a  Brethren's  congregation,  the  profit  of  the  land  to  be  for 
the  minister's  benefit,  and  that  the  so-called  '  Miksch's  lot,'  on  which  the 
parsonage  stands,  be  and  remain  the  property  of  the  Sustentation  Di- 
acony, and  be  for  the  sole  benefit  of  the  Hopedale  minister. 

By  instruction  of  the  church-council  and  drawn  up  by  their  deputy, 

Bethlehem,  May  7th,  1855.  G.  F.  Oehier. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  above  petition  was  referred  to  the  "  Com- 
mittee on  Finance." 

Br.  Oehler  offered  the  following  resolution,  viz. : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  memorial  presented  and  read  by   Br.  KampmanB 

be  revised  by  a  committee  of members,  and  then   be  printed 

forthwith — 500  copies  in  the  English  and  500  copies  in  the  German 


70  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

language  ; — and  that  each  member  of  Synod  receive  not  more  than 
five  copies  gratis  in  the  language  he  chooses  to  have  them,  and  that 
the  remaining  copies  be  offered  for  sale  at  a  low  rate." — 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp  the  resolution  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Lennert  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  : — 

"  Inasmuch  as  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference,  has  since  the  meet- 
ing of  the  last  Provincial  Synod  in  1849  applied  for,  and  obtained 
from  the  Legislature  of  our  state  a  Charter  or  Act  of  Incorporation, 
without  even  giving  a  reason  for  such  action  to  the  American  Branch 
of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  ;  and,  inasmuch  as  it  is  not  known, 
by  the  generality  of  the  members  of  this  Synod,  what  said  Charter 
contains — what  privileges  it  grants,  or  to  what  restrictions  it  confirms 
the  P.  E.  C.  in  their  official  actions,  therefore  resolved,  that  the  Pres- 
ident be  requested  to  communicate  said  Charter  or  Act  of  Incorpora- 
tion to  the  Synod,  for  the  instruction  of  its  members." — Adopted. 

Whereupon  Br.  Goepp  read  as  follows : — 

AN  ACT 

to  incorporate  the  Board  of  Elders  of  the  Northern  Diocese  of  the  church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

Section-  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania  in  General  Assembly  met  and  it 
is  hereby  enacted  by  the  authority  of  the  same  That  the  present  mem- 
bers of  the  board  of  Brethren  who  for  the  time  being  are  appointed  to 
superintend  the  secular  and  spiritual  concerns  of  the  northern  diocese 
of  the  church  of  the  United  Brethren  commonly  called  Moravians  in 
the  United  States  of  America  to  wit  John  C.  Jacobson  Henry  A.  Shultz 
and  Philip  H.  Goepp  and  their  successors  as  they  may  be  from  time  to 
time  appointed  in  accordance  with  the  constitution,  rules,  and  regula- 
tions of  the  said  church  of  the  United  Brethren  as  they  now  exist  or 
may  be  hereafter  modified  or  altered,  shall  be  and  are  hereby  declared 
to  be  a  body  corporate  to  be  known  by  the  name  style  and  title  of 
"  The  Board  of  Elders  of  the  northern  diocese  of  the  church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  the  United  States  of  America,"  and  by  that  name 
shall  have  perpetual  succession,  be  able  and  capable  in  law  to  sue  and 
be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded  in  the  courts  of  this  Commonwealth 
and  elsewhere,  to  have  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  to  make  and  estab- 
lish such  by-laws  and  ordinances  as  shall  be  necessary  and  proper  for 
the  regulation  of  the  temporal  concerns  of  the  said  northern  diocese  of 
the  said  church  of  the  United  Brethren,  for  the  support  of  acting  and 
superannuated  ministers  of  the  said  church,  for  the  promotion  of  religion, 
by  education,  foreign  and  domestic  missions,  and  otherwise,  Provided^ 
That  nothing  be  done,  in  pursuance  of  the  powers  and  privileges  here- 
inbefore granted,  contrary  or  repugnant  to  this  act  and  to  the  Constitu- 
tion and  laws  of  this  Commonwealth.  And  provided  further,  That  all 
the  acts  of  the  said  board  of  elders  of  the  northern  diocese  of  the  church 
of  the  United  Brethren  in  the  United  States  of  America  be  in  con- 
formity to  the  rules  regulations  and  principles  of  the  church  of  the 
United  Brethren  in  the  United  States  of  America  and  not  in  anywise 
inconsistent  with  the  same. 

Section  2.  That  the  president  of  the  said  board  of  elders  shall  be  appointed 
in  accordance  with  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  said  church  of  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  71 

United  Brethren  and  that  said  board  of  elders  or  a  majority  of  them 
may,  if  they  deem  it  necessary,  elect  or  appoint  a  treasurer  and  such 
other  officers  as  may  be  necessary,  at  such  times  and  at  such  places  and 
to  serve  for  such  a  period  as  they  may  deem  convenient  and  necessary, 
or  as  may  be  ordered  by  the  regulations  or  by-laws  of  the  said  church. 

Section  3.  That  the  said  board  of  elders  and  their  successors  by  the  name 
title  and  style  aforesaid,  shall  be  able  and  capable  in  law  to  purchase 
receive,  hold  and  enjoy,  all  such  lands,  tenements,  bequests,  annuities  and 
gifts,  as  may  be  at  any  time  sold,  conveyed,  bequeathed,  given,  granted  to 
it,  either  absolutely  or  in  trust,  and  have  power  to  sell,  or  otherwise  dis- 
pose of  the  same,  Provided  That  the  said  corporators  shall  not  at  any 
time  hold  or  absolutely  possess  property  or  estate,  real  personal  or  mixed, 
exceeding  the  annual  value  of  twelve  thousand  dollars. 

Section  4.  That  no  misnomer  of  said  corporation  and  their  successors  shall 
defeat  or  annul  any  gift,  grant,  devise,  or  bequest,  to  or  from  said  corpo- 
ration ;  Provided,  the  intent  of  the  party  or  parties  shall  sufficiently 
appear  upon  the  face  of  the  gift  or  other  writing,  whereby  any  estate  or 
interest  was  intended  to  pass  to  or  from  the  said  corporation. 

JOHN  CESSNA, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
BENJAMIN  MATTHIAS, 

Speaker  of  the  Senate. 
Approved  the  Twenty  ninth  day  of  March  A.  D.,  Eighteen  hundred 
and  fifty  one. 

WM.  F.  JOHNSTON. 

Secretary's  Office. 
Pennsylvania  S.  S. 

I  do  hereby  certify  that  the  foregoing  and  annexed  is  a  true  and  correct 
copy  of  the  original  Act  of  the  General  Assembiy  entitled  "An 
Act  to  incorporate  the  Board  of  Elders  of  the  Northern  Diocese  of 
the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  the  United  States  of 
America"  as  the  same  remains  on  file  in  this  office. 

Witness  my  hand,  and  the  seal  of  the  Secretary's  Office  at  Harrisburg, 
this  Third  day  of  April,  A.  D.,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and: 
fifty  one. 

A.  W.  BENEDICT, 
Deputy  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth. 

The  standing  and  special  Committees  were  called  upon  to  report.  No 
reports  ready. 

The  Committee  on  "Foreign  Missions"  requested  to  have  their  number 
increased. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Shultz,  their  number  was  increased  to  seven. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  the  "Act  of  Incorporation,!> 
just  read,  was  referred  to  the  "Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church 
Government." 

The  President  appointed  the  brethren,  Bachman  aud  Cortelyou,  the  addi- 
tional two  for  the  "Committee  on  "Foreign  Mission." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  the  Synod  adjourned  over  to 
Tuesday  8th,  A.  M.,  after  singing  "Thou  hast  kindly  led  us"  &c. 


72  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

NINTH  SESSION. 

Tuesday,  May  8th,  8  1-2  P.  M. — 40  members  present. 

Sung :  "j£)crctii,  gcfcgnctcr  fccs  Jpttvn" 

Prayer  by  Br.  Clauder. — Texts  for  the  day  read. 

Minutes  of  yesterday's  session  read,  amended  and  adopted. 

Br.  Shultz  was  excused  from  serving  on  the  Committee  on  Church  Pub- 
lications. At  his  request  the  President  appointed  Br.  Schweinitz,  to  fill  his 
place. 

Br.  Clark,  the  delegate  from  New-York,  appeared,  presented  his  cre- 
dentials, which  were  found  to  be  correct,  and  took  his  seat.    - 

Br.  Shultz  requested  that  a  brother  be  appointed  to  serve  on  the  "Com- 
mittee of  Home  Missions"  in  place  of  Br.  Reed,  who  had  left,  and  that  said 
Committee  be  increased  from  10  to  13.     The  request  was  granted. 

Br.  Bigler,  offered  the  following  resolutions  for  the  "Committee  on  Con- 
stitution and  Church  Government" : 

Resolved,  that  the  Committee  on  Church  Government  be  instructed  to 
report  a  constitution  for  the  government  of  our  Church  in  this  Di- 
ocese, containing  the  following  principles,  viz  : 

1.  A  connection  with  our  Church  in  Europe  to  exist  between  us   in  the 

relation  of  brother  to  brother,  without  any  controlling  influence  from 
either  over  the  other  in  local  matters. 

2.  In  case  there  is   to  be  a  Provincial   Elder's   conference  as  a  standing 

body,  all  the  members  of  that  body,  to  be  elected  by  our  Provincial 
Synods. 

3.  This   Constitution,  when   framed  and  adopted,  by  this  Synod,  to  be 

submitted  to  the  Unity's  Elder's  Conference,  and  if  they  should  not 
approve  of  it,  to  the  next  general  Synod  to  be  held  in  Europe. 

4.  Until  such  decision  and  approbation  is  had,  our  present  Constitution 

and  arrangements  shall  remain  as  they  now  are. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle  of  Bethlehem,  the  Synod  entered  into  the  dis- 
cussion of  the  resolutions. 

Br.  Goepp  having  stated  that  he  had  written  some  remarks,  having  refer- 
ence to  our  connection  with  Europe,  and  which  had  been  translated  into 
English  by  Br.  Bleck,  on  motion  of  Br.  Bechler,  they  were  read  by  the 
translator. 

The  Synod  now  took  a  recess  of  ten  minutes. 

On  resuming  business  the  discussion  was  continued. 

Br.  Luckenbach  offered  as  an  amendment  to  be  prefixed  to  the  above 
resolutions,  the  following  preamble  and  resolution,  prepared  by  Br.  Reinke, 
which  had  previously  been  presented,  but  withdrawn,  viz  : 

*<  Whereas  circumstances  appear  to  indicate  that  the  Lord's  time  has  fully 
come  to  favor  our  little  Zion  in  this  country  by  paving  the  way  for 
a  dissolution  of  that  connection  with  our  European  congregations, 
which  has  thus  far  united  us  to  them  in  the  form  of  church  govern- 
ment and  other  temporalities.     Therefore 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  73 

Revolved  1.  That  this  Synod  do  hereby  declare  itself  independent  of  our 
transatlantic  congregations  in  regard  to  all  local  and  temporal  affairs. 

Resolved  2.  That  we  solemnly  disclaim  all,  and  every  intention  of  hereby 
severing  that  spiritual  bond  of  union,  peace  and  love  which  has 
hitherto  connected  us  with  the  Brethren's  Unity  ;  that  we  will  con- 
tinue to  cherish  an  undiminished  affection  for  her  doctrines,  which 
are  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  and  for  her  ritual  in  so  far  as  is  appli- 
cable in  our  American  congregations,  and  that  we  will  continue  by 
men  and  means  to  take  a  lively  and  active  share  and  interest  in 
the  weal  and  woe  of  said  Unity. 

Br.  Schultz  moved  to  amend  the  amendment  by  the  following  resolution, 
viz: 

Resolved,  That  the  phrase  "regard  to  all  local  and  temporal  affairs"  does 
not  include  the  right  to  elect  our  Bishops  in  a  manner  inconsistent 
with  §  148  of  the  results  of  General  Synod  of  1848. 

Pending  the  discussion  of  which  the   Synod  on  motion  adjourned,  after 
singing  "What  brought  us  together"  &c. 


TENTH  SESSION. 

2  p.  M.— 58  members  present. 

Sung :  "As  long  as  Jesus  Lord  remains." 
Prayer  by  Br.  Hagen. 

Discussion  on  the  amendment  of  Br.  Schultz  was  resumed,  when  the 
amendment  was  withdrawn  by  the  mover. 

A  considerable  portion  of  members  participated  in  the  discussion  of  the 
resolutions  and  amendment  before  the  Synod,  which  resulted  as  follows,  viz  : 

Resolution  1st,  of  the  amendment,  was  unanimously  rejected. 

Resolution  2nd,  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend 
by  striking  out  the  word  "hereby",  and  the  resolution  as  amended  was 
adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  the  preamble  was  stricken  out. 

The  question  recurring,  on  the  original  resolutions,  the  first  one  was 
adopted. 

The  second  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Goepp  moved  to 
divide — the  question  having  been  taken  on  the  part — "  shall  there  be  a 
Provincial  Elders'   Conference   as  a  standing  body." — it  was  adopted. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  latter  part — "all  the  members  of 
that  body  &c." — it  was  also  adopted. 

The  third  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Bleck  moved  to  amend' 
by  striking  out  the  latter  clause — "and  if  they  should  not  approve  of  it 
&c."  to  the  end.     Agreed  to — and  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  the  fourth  resolution  waa 
stricken  out. 

Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved,  that  the  members  of  the  P.  E.  C.  or  whatever  Executive  Com- 
mittee  may  be  constituted  by  the  contemplated  new  Constitution 
be  not  necessarily  prohibited  from  holding  some  other  office." 


74  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  said  resolution  was  laid  on  the  table. 

On  motion  the  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing  :  "2Bir  gcbcn  IMS  in  2)ciltc 


ELEVENTH  SESSION. 

Wednesday,  May  9th;  8  1-2  A.  M. — 57  members  present. 

Sung:  "Eternal  Sun  of  righteousness."  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Shultz. — Texts  of  the  day  read. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  Br.  Gapp,  Home-missionary  from  Philadel- 
phia, was  admitted  to  a  seat,  as  an  advisory  member. 

The  minutes  of  yester-day's  Session  were  read,  amended  and  adopted. 

Br.  Wunderling  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  : 

"Whereas  it  is  extremelv  unpleasant  for  a  minister,  when  removed  from  one 
station  to  another,  to  be  without  rules  to  regulate  the  adjustment  of 
property-matters  between  himself  and  successor  or  predecessor,  there- 
fore 

Resolved,  that  the  Committee  on  Internal  Arrangements  be  instructed  to 
inquire  into  the  expediency  of  adopting  some  fixed  rules  to  regulate 
such  matters." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  the  above  were  referred  to  the  "Committee  on 
Internal  Arrangements." 

Br.  Hagen,  reqesting  that  the  Committees  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual,  and 
on  Internal  Arrangements,  be  instructed  on  the  points  rightfully  belonging 
to  their  sphere, 

Br.  Beckler  moved  that  the  above  Committees  be  united. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  "that  all  committees  appointed  by  this  Synod 
have  power  to  meet  each  other  in  cases  and  for  purposes  when  they  shall  see 
fit."     Agreed  to. 

The  "Committee  on  Finance"  asked  leave  to  sit  during  the  Session  of  the 
Synod. 

Br.  Wolle  of  Bethlehem,  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved,  that  the  Synod  meet  hereafter  at  10  A.  M.,  and  3  P.  M.,  until 
otherwise  ordered." 

Br.  Weiss  moved  to  amend,  "that  the  Synod  hold  but  one  Session  per 
day." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  matter  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Schweinitz  asked  to  be  excused  from  further  service  in  the  Committee 
on  the  "Use  of  the  Lot." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle  of  Bethlehem,  he  was  excused,  and  Br.  Kummer 
appointed  by  the  Synod  in  his  place. 

Br.  Bigler  was  excused  from  further  service  in  the  Committee  on  Internal 
Arrangements,  and  Br.  Lennert  appointed  in  his  place. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  75 

Br.  Schweinitz  asked  to  be  excused  from  further  service  in  the  Committee 
on  Home  Mission,  which  was  refused. 

Br.  Shultz  moved  that  the  Brn.  Lennert,  Holland,  Clauder,  Cortelyou 
and  Ricksecker  be  members  of  the  Committee  on  Home  Mission.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Heckert  offered  the  following  resolution : 

"Resolved,  that  in  filling  vacancies  in  Committees,  such  brn.  be  appointed 
as  are  not  already  on  other  Committees." 

Br.  Wolle,  of  Bethlehem,  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  "already  on 
other  Committees"  and  inserting  "on  more  than  one  Committee."  Agreed  to. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Shultz  asked  to  be  excused  from  further  service  in  the  Committee  on 
Foreign  Missions  and  in  that  on  Education. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Hagen  he  was  excused  from  further  service  in  the  Com- 
mittee on  Foreign  Missions  only. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Hagen,  the  vote  on  excusing  Br.  Schweinitz  from  further 
service  in  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions  was  re-considered.  Whereupon 
the  Synod  excused  Br.  Schweinitz  from  further  service  in  said  Committee. 

At  request  of  Br.  Bigler,  permission  was  granted  Br.  Clark,  to  state  his 
views  on  the  "change  of  the  Constitution  and  Government." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  the  New-York  resolutions  were 
taken  up  for  consideration,  when  after  some  discussion,  on  motion  of  Br. 
Bigler,  they  were  again  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Beckler  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions : 

"Whereas  in  the  opinion  of  the  present  Provincial  Synod,  the  Constitution 
of  the  P.  E.  C.  does  not  seem  to  answer  those  ends  for  which  it  was 
formed,  therefore 

Resolved,  that  in  future  the  P.  E.  C.  consist  of  five  elective  members,  three  of 
whom,  (of  whom  one  is  to  be  a  Bishop  and  the  presiding  officer,)  are  for 
the  present  to  reside  at  Bethlehem,  and  constitute  the  Executive 
Committee  and  to  be  divided  into  three  departments ;  of  which  one 
shall  form  the  Education  Department,  the  second  the  Mission,  and  the 
third  the  Financial  Department.  The  fourth  elective  member  who 
is  to  be  a  Bishop,  to  be  located  in  one  of  our  western  congregations, 
and  have  under  his  special  superintendence  the  congregations  of 
Ohio,  Indiana  and  Blinois,  and  in  whatever  Western  states  such 
may  exist.  The  fifth  member  also  to  be  a  Bishop,  to  reside  in  Salem 
and  have  charge  of  the  congregations  there.  These  five  elective 
members  to  constitute  the  P.  E.  C.  who  may  hold  their  regular  ses- 
sions as  they  see  fit. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  said  preamble  and  resolutions  were  referred  to 
the  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church  Government." 

The  President,  on  leave,  read  an  extract  from  a  private  letter,  received 
from  Br.  Levin  Reichel,  of  Salem,  embodying  his  views  relative  to  the 
wants  of  the  Church  in  this  country,  suggesting  the  propriety  of  uniting  the 
northern  and  southern  sections  of  the  American  Province,  and  setting  forth 
his  ideas  on  the  formation  of  a  new  P.  E.  C. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp  the  letter  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Church  Government. 


76  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

The  Synod  took  a  recess  of  fifteen  minutes. 

Br.  Wolle  of  Bethl.  moved  to  take  up  the  resolutions  on  the  table  fixing 
the  times  of  meeting  of  the  Synod,  at  10  A.  M.  and  3  P.  M.  Agreed  to 
after  some  discussion. 

Said  resolution  was  adopted. 

Br.  Schweinitz,  moved  to  take  up  the  Proceedings  of  the  Provincial  Synods 
of  1847  and  1849. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  "Proceedings  oi  the  Provincial  Synod  of 
1847,"  which  was  agreed  to. 

Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  the  amendment,  "first  chap- 
ter of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Synod  of  1847."     Agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  it  was  read  and  referred  to  the  "  Committee  on 
Constitution  and  Church  Government." 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  the  Synod  take  up  the  second  chapter  of  the 
same. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  "chapter  second  of  the  results  of  the  General 
Synod  of  1848,"  which  having  been  accepted,  was  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  it  was  agreed  to  take  up  each  paragraph 
separately. 

The  President  accordingly  read  the  "  §  5  of  said  chapter," 

Br.  Wolle  of  Bethl.,  offered  the  following  resolution: 

"Resolved,  that  the  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual  be  instructed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  embodying  the  articles  of 
faith  regarded  by  the  Brn's.  Church  essential  to  salvation  and  (es- 
sential to)  membership  with  us." 

Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  amendment : 

"Resolved,  that  this  Provincial  Synod  respectfully  submits  to  the  next 
General  Synod,  the  propriety  of  embodying  the  article  of  faith  regar- 
ded by  the  Brn's.  Church,  as  essential  to  salvation  and  (essential  to) 
membership  with  us." 

Br.  Clark  offered  the  following  resolution,  which  was  referred  to  the 
"  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual :" 

"Resolved,  that  the  portion  from  Litany  commencing  with  the  petition 
"irom  coldness  to  thy  merits  and  death,"  as  far  as  "by  thy  coming  again 
to  thy  Church  on  earth,  or  our  being  called  home  to  Thee,"  be  used 
on  every  occasion,  when  prayed,  in  a  standing  position  by  all  our  con- 
gregation." 

On  motion  the  Synod  adjourned  after  singing :  "  £)at>0tt  foil  itt  t»cr  Qdt- 

mein,"  u.  f.  n>. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

TWELFTH  SESSION. 
3  p.  M. — 49  members  present. 

Sung  :  "Hark,  0  my  soul." — Prayer  by  Br.  Holland. 

The  President  stated  that  one  more  member  was  required  in  the  "Com- 
mittee on  Foreign  Missions,"  and  wished  to  ascertain  whether  Synod  would 
permit  him  to  appoint  Br.  Bahnson,  as  member  of  said  Committee,  as  his 
services  would  be  very  desirable  by  reason  of  his  acquaintance  with  the 
Cherokee  Mission. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Luckenbach  leave  was  granted,  whereupon  Br.  Bahn- 
son was  appointed. 

Br.  Bleck's  amendment  to  Br.  Wolle's  resolution  was  resumed  and  elicited 
much  discussion. 

On  the  question  being  taken,  the  amendment  was  lost. 

The  original  motion  was  now  amended  by  the  mover  as  follows : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  "  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual,"  be 
instructed  to  report  measures  for  the  embodiment  of  the 
articles  of  faith,  regarded  by  the  United  Brethren's  Church 
as  essential  to  salvation,  and  essential  to  membership  with 
us."     Adopted. 

The  President  next  read  §  6,  chap.  2,  Synodal  Results  of  1848,  in  refer- 
ence to  which  several  brethren  expressed  their  sentiments. 

Br.  Weiss  introduced  Br.  Guenther,  Home  missionary,  from  Newark,  and 
Br.  Praeger,  Home  missionary  from  New-York. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle,  of  Bethl.,  they  were  received  as  advisory  mem- 
bers. 

The  President  read  §  7,  Synodal  Results  of  1848,  and  after  some  remarks 
by  several  of  the  brn.  §  8  was  also  read. 

On  motion,  the  Synod  adjourned  after  singing:  "From  the  doctrines  I'll 
ne'er  waver"  &c. 


THIRTEENTH  SESSION. 

Thursday,  May  10th,  10  A.  M. — 50  members  present. 

Sung:  "What,  brethren,  is  Jerusalem  1 

Prayer  by  Br.  Schweinitz. — Texts  of  the  day  read. 

Minutes  of  yesterday's  Session  read,  amended  and  adopted. 

The  President  introduced  Br.  Rau,  Home  missionary  from  New-Haven. 

On  motion  of  Br.   Schweinitz,  he  was  admitted  to  a  seat  as  an  advisory 
member. 


78  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Br.  Luckenbach  offered  the  following  resolution,  viz : 
"  Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  be 
instructed  to  lay  before  this  Synod,  an  account  of  the  in- 
come and  disbursements  of  said  Diacony  commencing  with 
the  year  1849,  up  to  the  1st  of  May,  1855.     x\dopted. 
Br.  Clauder  moved  that  the  Synod  fix  the  day  for  holding  the  election  of 
the  members  for  the  new  P.  E.  C. 

On  Br.  Goepp's  suggestion  that  §  38  of  the  Synodal  Proceedings  of  1847 
refused  such  action. 

Br.  Hagen  moved  to  suspend  the  rule  as  laid  down  in  said  §,  which  mo- 
tion of  suspension,  was  on  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  laid  on  the  table. 

The  President  called  on  the  "Committee  on  Br.  Goepp's  resolution"  to 
report,  when  Br.  Bleck  of  said  Committee,  read  the  following 

REPORT : 

The  Select  Committee  to  which  were  referred  the  resolutions  introduced  by 
Br.  Goepp,  on  the  subject  of  the  power  of  this  Synod  to  enter  upon  the 
discussion  of  the  whole  Constitution  of  the  Brethren's  Church,  and  the 
proper  disposition  to  be  made  of  the  results  of  its  deliberations,  report : 

That  they  have  had  the  subject  embodied  in  said  resolution  under  considera- 
tion and  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  there  is  nothing  contained  in 
the  Synodal  results  of  1848  which  forbids  this  or  any  other  Provincial 
Synod  from  discussing  the  whole  Constitution  and  principles  of  the 
Brethren's  Church  or  the  propriety  of  making  changes  therein. 

The  first  part  of  the  paragraph  168  says:  '-The  duty  and  privilege  of  the 
Provincial  Synods  is,  thoroughly  to  examine  the  spiritual  and  temporal 
condition  of  the  congregations  of  their  respective  provinces  and  to  adopt 
resolutions  referring  thereto,  which,  when  they  relate  to  circumstances 
not  merely  local,  a  e  to  be  submitted  for  approval  to  the  Unity's  Elders' 
Conference."  A  thorough  examination,  such  as  is  here  indicated,  your 
committee  is  unanimous  in  believing,  cannot  by  any  possibility  be  made 
without  involving  the  Synod  in  the  discussion  of  the  general  principles 
of  the  whole  Brethren's  Unity,  the  fundamental  rules  of  our  church  or 
the  relationship  between  the  provinces,  which  kind  of  discussion,  it  is  sup- 
posed, is  expressly  forbidden  to  any  except  strictly  preparatory  Synods, 
by  the  latter  part  of  the  paragraph,  which  reads:  "Such  resolutions 
however  as  refer  to  the  general  principles  of  the  whole  Brethren's  Unity, 
the  fundamental  rules  of  our  Church-System  and  the  relationship  of  the 
three  provinces  of  the  Unity  to  each  other  are  subject  to  the  ratification 
of  the  General  Synods,  wherefore  propositions  for  such  enactments  can 
only  be  made  at  such  Provincial  Synods  as  immediately  precede  a  Gen- 
eral Synod."  If  this  view  be  correct  there  exists  a  direct  conflict  be- 
tween the  different  parts  of  this  paragraph,  the  last  clause  forbidding 
that  which  the  first  enjoins. 

Your  committee  conceive  it  to  be  a  well  established  rule  that  in  the  interpre- 
tation of  a  document,  we  are  required,  if  possible,  so  to  construe  it,  as  to 
give  every  part  a  clear  and  distinct  meaning,  and  not  permit  one  part 
to  render  another  nugatory.  We  are  then  led  to  inquire  whether  it  is 
possible  without  doing  violence  to  the  language  employed,  to  give 
either  the  first  or  the  last  part  of  this  paragraph  each  a  construction  as 
to  deliver  it  of  this  apparent  conflict.  To  the  first  part,  it  seems  to  your 
committee  to  be  impossible  to  attach  more  than  one  single  meaning,  but 
the  wor<7«  "wherefore  propositions  for  such  enactments  can  only  be 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  79 

made  at  such  Provincial  Synods  as  immediately  precede  a  General 
Synod"  are  susceptible  of  having  different  meanings  attached  to  them. 
They  may  mean  that  a  non-preparatory  Provincial  Synod  cannot  itself 
entertain  such  resolutions  for  its  own  discussion  and  consideration,  or 
they  may  mean  that  such  a  Provincial  Synod  cannot  make  such  propo- 
sitions to  a  General  Synod.  If  the  latter  interpretation  be  taken,  it 
follows  that  a  non-preparatory  Provincial  Synod  may  entertain,  discuss, 
and  even  advise  the  adoption  of  any  change  in  the  constitution  and 
government  of  the  Unity,  but  that  preparatory  Synods  only  can  pro- 
pose such  changes  to  a  General  Synod  for  their  adoption  and  thereby 
give  them  force  and  efficiency.  It  may  be  admitted  that  the  first  con- 
struction is  that  which  lies  on  the  surface  and  is  most  apparent,  but 
your  committee  conceives  the  other  to  be  equally  legitimate,  and  as  it  at 
once  relieves  the  paragraph  from  all  conflict  between  its  different  parts 
and  gives  to  each  part  a  free  meaning,  your  committee  has  not  hesitated 
to  adopt  it. 

With  these  views  of  the  true  contruction  of  the  16th  paragraph,  your  com- 
mittee recommend  the  indefinite  postponement  of  the  first  of  the  resolu- 
tions referred  to  them,  and  that  the  others  do  lie  upon  the  table  until  the 
Synod,  when  approaching  the  close  of  its  deliberation,  shall  be  better 
prepared  to  say  what  disposition  shall  be  made  of  the  results  of  its 
action,  or  what  steps  shall  be  taken  to  lay  them  before  our  European 
brethren. 

E.   F.   BLECK, 

J.  BLICKENSDERFER  Jr., 

JACOB   RICE. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  above  Report  and  Recommendations  were 
adopted. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  business  in  order  &c. 

The  President  read  §  9,  chap.  2,  of  the  Synodal  Results  of  1848. 

Br.  Hagen  offered  the  following  resolution,  viz  : 

"Resolved,  that  the  examination  as  proposed  in  §  9,  chap.  2,  of  Synodal 
Results  of  1848  be  in  future  held  in  the  Northern  Province  of  the 
Brethren's  Church." 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  "that  the  matter  of  examination  referred  to  in 
§  9,  chap.  2,  of  Synodal  Results  of  1848  be  attended  to  by  this  Synod,  and 
referred  to  che  "Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual."     Adopted. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  to  amend  the  amendment  as  follows: 

"  Resolved,  that,  the  "  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual,"  be  instructed 
to  report  such  rules  and  regulations  for  the  adoption  of  the  Synod, 
as  will  secure  the  holding  of  an  examination  of  the  brethren  proposed 
for  the  ministry,  such  as  is  referred  to  in  §  9,  chap.  2,  Synodal  Re- 
sults of  1848." 

This  amendment  was  accepted  and  the  original  resolution  as  amended  was 
adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Eberman,  (Naz.)  the  following  "five  points  of  Doctrine," 
were  referred  to  the  "Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual." 

We  will  therefore  without  lessening  the  importance  of  any  other  Article 
of  the  Christian  Faith,  steadfastly  maintain  the  following  five  points : 


80  JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

1.  "The  doctrine  of  the  universal  depravity  of  man,  that  there  is  no  health 

in  man,  and  that  since  the  fall,  he  has  no  power  whatever  to  help  him- 
self." 

2.  "The  doctrine  of  the  divinity  of  Christ,  that  God  the  Creator  of  all  things, 

was  manifest  in  the  flesh,  and  reconciled  us  to  Himself:  that  he  is 
before  all  things,  and  that  by  Him  all  things  consist." 

3.  "The  doctrine  of  the  atonement  and  the  satisfaction  made  by  us  through 

Jesus  Christ ;  that  he  was  delivered  for  our  offences,  and  raised  again 
for  our  justification  ;  and  that  by  his  merits  alone  we  receive  freely  the 
forgiveness  of  our  sins  and  sanctification  in  soul  and  body. 

4.  "The  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  operation  of  his  grace,  that  it 

is  He,  that  worketh  in  us  convictions  of  sin,  faith  in  Jesus,  and  pureness 
in  heart." 

5.  "The  doctrine  of  the  fruits  of  faith :  that  faith  must  evidence  itself  by 

willing  obedience  to  the  commandments  of  God,  from  love  and  gratitude 
to  Him." 

The  President  finished  reading  §  9,  when  several  of  the  brethren  expressed 
their  sentiments,  and  gave  their  experience  in  reference  to  points  noticed  in 
said  paragraph. 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  the  President  proceed  to  read  the  next  para- 
graph, when  Br.  Luckenbach  moved  that  the  Synod  adjourn  over  to  Saturday 
8  1-2  A.  M. 

Br.  Rice  named  Monday  morning. 

Br.  Schweinitz  withdrew  his  motion. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  adjournment  to  Monday  morning,  it 
was  lost. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  adjournment  to  Saturday  8  1-2  A. 
M.  it  was  carried. 

On  motion  the  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing  :  "Christ  is,  and  shall  re- 
main," &c. 


*      FOURTEENTH  SESSION. 

Saturday,  May  12th,  8  1-2  A.  M. — 42  members  present. 

Sung  :  "Praise  the  Lord"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Ricksecker. 

After  reading  the  texts  of  the  day,  the  President,  in  a  few  remarks,  called 
the  attention  of  the  Synod  to  the  memorable  occurrences  in  the  history  of  the 
Brethren's  Church,  which  had  transpired  on  the  12th  of  May,  and  which 
entitled  this  day  to  a  place  among  our  memorial-days. 

The  minutes  of  Thursday's  Session,  read,  amended  and  adopted. 

Br.  Hagen  moved  that  the  Synod  proceed  forthwith  to  fix  the  day  for  the 
election  of  the  members  of  the  new  P.  E.  C,  and  that  Wednesday  next  be 
appointed. 

Some  objections  having  been  raised,  to  taking  action  on  this  motion  be- 
cause of  the  fewness  of  the  members  present, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROTINCIAL  SYNOD.  Si 

On  motion  of  Br.  Weiss,  the  Secretary  called  the  roll,  when  it  was  found 
that  twenty  members  were  absent. 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to  amend  Br.  Hagen's  motion,  "Wednesday  2  P. 
M.,"  which  amendment  was  accepted  by  the  mover. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  moved  that  the  Synod  appoint  Friday  next, 
the  day  of  the  election. 

On,  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  the  whole  matter  was  laid  on 
the  table. 

The  President  called  on  the  "Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church 
Government,"  to  report,  when  Br.  Bigler  of  said  Committee  read  the  fol- 
lowing 

REPORT : 

The  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church  Government  report 

for  the  adoption  of  the  srnod,  the  following  preamble 

and  Resolutions  : 

Whereas  it  is  believed  that  the  prosperity  and  welfare  of  that  portion  of  the 
United  Brethren's  Church  which  we  represent,  imperatively  demand 
a  remodification  of  the  relationship  subsisting  between  it  and  the  other 
parts  of  the  Brethren's  Unity  ; 

And,  whereas  such  remodification  can  only  be  obtained  by  changes  in  the 
Constitution  of  the  Unity,  which  changes  must  be  made  by  the  consent 
of  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference  or  of  a  General  Synod  ;  Therefore 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Provincial  Synod,  that  immediate 
steps  should  be  taken  for  introducing  into  the  Constitution  of  the 
Brethren's  Church,  the  following  provision,  viz  : 

1.  The  government  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  the  Northern 

Province  of  the  United  States  of  America,  shall  be  vested  in  the  Synods 
of  said  province,  in  which  the  ministers  and  delegates  of  the  congrega- 
tions appear  as  the  representatives  of  the  Church  within  that  province. 

2.  There  shall  be  elected  by  the  Provincial  Synod,  an  executive  committee, 

to  consist  of  two  members,  and  to  be  called  the  Provincial  Elders'  Con- 
ference, who  shall  be  chosen  from  among  the  ordained  ministers  of  the 
Church,  and  shall  be  accountable  to  the  Provincial  Synods  for  their 
acts ;  but  nothing  herein  contained  shall  prevent  any  future  Provincial 
Synod  from  arranging  the  organization  of  the  Provincial  Elders'  Con- 
ference in  any  manner  such  Synod  may  think  proper. 

3.  Each  Synod  shall   fix   the  time   and   place   for  the  meeting  of  the  next 

Synod.  Should  any  emergency  arise,  which  in  the  opinion  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Elders'  Conference,  would  require  the  meeting  of  the  Synod 
sooner  than  the  time  specified  by  the  preceding  Synod,  the  Provincial 
Elders'  Conference  shall  have  power  to  convene  the  same  at  the  place 
appointed  to  meet,  by  fixing  the  time  at  an  earlier  day.  Each  Synod 
shall,  when  convened,  be  opened  by  the  President  of  the  Provincial 
Elders'  Conference,  but  shall  organize  by  electing  its  own  president  and 
other  officers. 

4.  The  following  shall  be  members  of  the  Provincial  Synod  : 

«,  The  members  of  the  existing  Provincial  Elders'  Conference. 
11 


82  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOB. 

6,  All  bishops  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  in  the  province,  whether 
in  actual  service  or  not. 

e,  All  ordained  ministers  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  in  the  Prov- 
ince, who  are  in  actual  service,  either  in  the  congregations,  or  in 
the  various  educational  institutions. 

d,  The  financial  agent  of  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference  in  the  province, 

commonly  called  the  Administrator. 

e,  The  delegates  from  the  different  congregations  of  the  Church  within 

the  province. 

/,  The  members  of  the  Unity's  Elders'  Conference,  the  members  of  the 
Provincial  Elders'  Conference  of  any  other  province  of  the  Brethren's 
Unity,  or  the  delegates  of  either  shall  be  entitled  to  seats  as  advisory 
members,  but  without  a  vote. 

5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Provincial  Synods  to  examine  the  spiritual  and 

temporal  condition  of  the  Church  within  the  province  ;  to  adopt  orders, 
rules  and  regulations  for  the  government  of  the  same  ;  to  appoint  the 
bishops  ;  to  elect  the  members  of  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  ;  at 
every  Synod  immediately  preceding  a  general  Synod  in  Europe,  to 
elect  delegates  to  the  same  ;  to  hear  and  redress  complaints  and  griev- 
ances ;  to  examine  and  direct  all  financial  matters,  and  prescribe  rules 
for  their  management ;  to  oversee  and  direct  the  education  of  the  youth 
and  the  theological  students,  and  generally  to  direct  all  matters  which 
belong  to  the  government  of  the  Church  within  the  province. 

6.  It  shall  be  the  dutv  of  the   Provincial  Elders'   Conference  to  see  that  the 

general  principles  and  regulations  of  the  Brethren's  Unity,  as  determined 
by  the  General  Synod  of  the  Church,  as  well  as  the  rules,  regulations 
and  orders  of  the  Provincial  Synod  shall  be  faithfully  executed  ;  they 
shall  also,  in  cases  of  emergency  in  the  interval  between  two  Synods, 
nominate  and  appoint  the  bishops  ;  and  they  shall  see  that  the  congre- 
gations are  properly  supplied  with  the  requisite  laborers,  under  such 
rules  and  regulations  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  Provincial  Synods. 

7.  Vacancies  which  may  occur  in  the  Provincial  Elder's  Conference  during 

the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Synod,  shall  be  filled  in  the  following  man- 
ner :  The  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  shall  issue  its  circular  to  the 
different  congregations  and  other  persons  interested,  giving  them  notice 
of  such  vacancy  and  directing  them  to  vote  for  a  brother  among  the 
ministry  to  fill  the  same.  In  the  election  every  person  who  is  ex-officio 
entitled  to  a  seat  and  vote  in  the  Provincial  Synod  shall  have  one  vote, 
and  each  congregation  shall  be  entitled  to  as  many  votes  as  such  congre- 
gation was  entitled  to  send  delegates  to  the  provincial  Synod  last  held 
to  be  given  by  the  congregation-council  direct,  or  by  electors  chosen  by 
them,  as  they  may  see  proper.  The  vote  so  given  shall  be  sealed  up  and 
sent  to  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  who  shall  receive  them,  but 
break  no  seal,  until  all  the  votes  have  been  received  and  their  own  vote  or 
votes  added  thereto.  The  votes  shall  then  be  opened  and  counted  in  the 
presence  of  not  less  than  two  other  brethren,  and  if  any  brother  shall 
have  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given  he  shall  be  considered  elected. 
Should  no  brother  have  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given,  the  Provin- 
cial Elders'  Conference  shall  issue  another  circular  as  before,  giving  the 
names  of  the  three  brethren  who  received  the  highest  number  of  votes. 

The  ministers  of  congregations  and   all   others  entitled  to  vote,  shall  then 
•gain  vote  in  the  manner  above  described  but  shall  be  confined  in  their 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  52 

votes  to  the  three  brethren  named.  When  the  votes  have  again  been 
returned  to  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  as  above  stated,  and  after 
their  vote  has  been  added,  they  shall  open  and  count  the  votes  in  the 
presence  of  witnesses  as  before  and  the  brother  having  the  highest  num- 
ber of  votes  shall  be  considered  elected.  After  each  election  the  Provin- 
cial Elders'  Conference  shall  publish  a  full  account  thereof. 

8.  In  sending  delegates  to  the  Provincial  Synod,  the  numerical  strength  of 
each  congregation  on  the  New  Year  preceding  shall  be  taken  as  the 
basis  upon  which  the  number  of  delegates  shall  be  ascertained.  Each 
congregation,  if  not  exceeding  200  souls,  shall  send  one  delegate.  Each 
congregation  of  more  than  200  and  not  exceeding  400  souls  shall  send 
two  delegates.  Each  congregation  of  more  than  400  and  not  exceeding 
600  shall  send  three  delegates,  and  each  congregation  of  more  than  600 
souls  shall  send  four  delegates,  but  nothing  contained  in  this  or  the 
preceding  sections  shall  prevent  any  future  Provincial  Synod  from 
changing  the  mode  of  filling  vacancies  in  the  Provincial  Elders'  Con- 
ference or  changing  the  apportionment  of  delegates  among  the  several 
congregations  of  the  province." 

Resolved,  That  in  asking  for  the  foregoing  modifications  of  the  constitution 
it  is  nevertheless  the  desire  and  expectation  of  this  Synod  that  all  rules 
or  regulations  passed  by  any  General  Synod  heretofore  held  and  remain- 
ing unchanged,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  passed  by  such  a  Synod,  and 
any  regulations  heretofore  sanctioned  by  the  Unity's  Elders'  Confer- 
ence and  remaining  unchanged  by  it,  not  inconsistent  with  the  forego- 
ing provisions,  shall  remain  in  full  force  within  the  province,  and  be 
binding  upon  our  Provincial  Synod,  the  Provincial  Elder's  Conference, 
the  ministers  and  congregations  within  the  same. 

DAVID  BIGLER, 

JACOB  BLICKENSDERFER, 

PHILIP  H.  GOEPP, 

J.  BLICKENSDERFER,  J*. 

HENRY  A.  SHULTZ, 

SAMUEL  REINKE, 

WM.  EBERMAN. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  that  the  report  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the  membeni  of 
the  Synod.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Bigler  next  offered  the  following  resolution,  viz : 

"Resolved,  that  the  "Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church  Gov- 
ernment" be  instructed  to  prepare  a  memorial  to  the  U.  E.  C. 
setting  forth  the  reasons  which  demand  a  change  in  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  church,  and  require  the  assembling  of  a  Gen- 
eral Synod  at  an  early  day."     Adopted. 

Br.  Bigler  also  reported  back  from  the  "Committee  on  Constitution  and 
Church  Government,"  recommending  its  adoption,  the  following  resolution 
of  Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Dover.) 

Resolved,  that  our  congregations  in  Ohio,  Indiana  and  other  Western  states, 
or  as  many  of  them  as  may  wish  to  associate  together  for  such  n 
purpose,  have  the  full  permission  of  this  Synod  to  make  an  effort  to 
create  a  sustentation-fund  for  those  congregations.  And  for  that  pur- 
pose they  are  hereby  permitted  and  authorized  to  hold  Conference*, 


84  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

composed  of  their  ministers  and  lay  delegates,  as  often,  and  at  such 
time  and  places,  as  may  be  convenient  to  them  ;  And  if  their  efforts 
should  prove  successful,  to  make  such  regulations  in  regard  to  the 
accumulation  and  disposition  of  said  fund,  as  in  the  opinion  of  the 
congregations  mentioned,  expressed  through  such  conferences,  may 
be  deemed  expedient. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table  for  considera- 
tion. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  called  the  yeas  and  nays,  on  the  question  of 
laying  on  the  table,  whereupon,  after  considerable  discussion,  Br.  Wolle  with- 
drew his  motion  to  lay  on  the  table,  and  the  resolution  was  unanimously 
adopted. 

After  the  President  had  finished  calling  on  the  committees  for  the  reports, 
Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to  adjourn  to  Monday  8  1-2  A.  M.,  which  motion 
was  withdrawn  at  the  request  of  Br.  Bieck,  who  then  moved  that  the  Presi- 
dent resume  the  business  in  order.     Agreed  to. 

The  President  then  read  §  10  chap.  2,  Synodal  Results  of  1848,  when  on 
motion,  Synod  adjourned  to  Monday  8  1-2  A.  M.,  after  singing;  "Spread 
thy  blessings"  &c. 


FIFTEENTH  SESSION. 
Monday,  May  14th,  8  1-2  a.  m. — 52  members  present. 

Sung  :  "From  thy  holy  habitation"  &c. — Prayer  by  Br.  Bahnson. 

Texts  of  the  day  read. — Minutes  of  Saturday's  Session  read  and  adopted, 

Br.  Edmunds  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolution,  viz: 

Whereas  it  has  happened  at  times  heretofore,  and  may  be  likely  to  happen 
from  time  to  time,  that  it  may  become  the  painful  duty  of  certain 
congregations  of  our  beloved  church,  that  they  may  have  to  adopt 
rather  extreme  measures  in  order  to  have  a  change  of  ministers, 
which  is  at  all  times,  saying  the  least,  a  very  painful  duty  to  perform, 
both  to  those  who  enter  complaint,  as  likewise  to  those  brethren 
against  whom  such  is  made,  I  would  therefore  offer  the  following 
suggestion  : 

"Be  it  resolved,  that  hereafter  no  one  of  our  reverend  officiating  brethren, 
shall  serve  for  a  longer  term  than  six  years,  at  one  and  the  same  sta- 
tion or  congregation,  unless  the  congregation  over  which  he  presides 
should  desire  to  have  him  again  re-instated." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Weiss,  the  preamble  and  resolution  were  referred  to  the 
"Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church  Government." 

Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  : 

Whereas  intemperance  in  the  use  of  strong  drink  renders  men  in 
a  special  degree  the  servants  of  sin,  and  has  involved  thou- 
sands upon  thousands  in  fearful  misery  and  ruined  body  and 
soul ;  And  whereas  the  General  Synod  of  1848  (see  §  607 
Synodal  Results  of  1848)  adopted  the  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  85 

In  consideration  of  the  great  responsibility  which  we  should  bring 
upon  ourselves,  as  members  of  a  congregation  of  Jesus,  if  we 
were  not  prepared,  as  much  as  lies  in  us,  to  prevent  the  abuse 
of  spirituous  liquors  in  our  congregations,  and  to  remove  the 
occasions  for  that  abuse  as  far  as  possible,  the  Synod  resolves 
that  it  should  be  enjoined  on  all  congregation-conferences, 
and  especially  on  all  congregation- wardens,  to  pay  conscien- 
tious attention  to  this  point,  and  strictly  to  see  to  it,  that,  in 
our  congregation-inns,  and  also  on  the  part  of  such  private 
persons  as  have  had  permission  to  engage  in  the  trade,  the 
sale  of  spirituous  liquor  be  limited  to  what  is  actually  neces- 
sary, and  that  no  sordid  consideration  of  gain  be  permitted 
to  give  occasion  to  sin  in  any,  whether  in  or  out  of  our  con- 
nection. Should  the  conoTegation-conferences  be  unable  to 
prevent  the  abuse  in  question,  and  therefore  resolve,  supported 
by  the  spirit  of  the  congregation,  and  with  due  regard  to  local 
circumstances,  upon  the  entire  discontinuance  of  the  sale  of 
spirituous  liquors  in  their  settlements,  such  a  measure  has  the 
cordial  sanction  of  the  Synod.     Therefore 

Resolved,  that  this  Provincial  Synod  hereby  reaffirms  the  principles 
involved  in  the  foregoing  preamble  and  resolution  of  the  Gen- 
eral Synod  of  1848,  and  cordially  sympathises  with  all  proper 
measures  for  the  suppression  of  intemperance,  and  of  the 
manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks. 

Br.  Tschudy  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  the  words  "the  manufac- 
ture and  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks." 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  amend- 
ment, which  resulted  as  follows  : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Bigler,  Graeff,  Jordan,  Luckenbach,  Masslich, 
Miksch,  Rauch,  Tschudy. — 8. 

Nays. — The  brethren  Bachman,  Barstow,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover) 
Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenhuetten)  Blum,  Brown, 
Busse,  Christ,  Clauder,  Cortelyou,  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Edmunds,  Fahs,  Goepp, 
Hagen,  Harvey,  Holland,  Jacobson,  Kampmann,  Knauss,  Kummer,  Len- 
nert,  Leibfried,  Musselman,  Peisert,  Perkin,  Regenass,  Reichel,  Reinke, 
(Litiz)  Reinke,  (Staten  Island)  Rice,  Rickert,  Ricksecker,  Seidel,  Shultz, 
Troeger,  Weinland,  Weiss,  Wolle,  (Dover)  Wolle,  (Bethl.)  Wunderling. — 
44. 

The  amendment  was  accordingly  lost. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  now  called  the  yeas  and  nays,  on  the  original 
preamble  and  resolution,  which  resulted  as  follows  : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Bachman,  Barstow,  Beckler,  Bigler,  Bleck,  Blick- 
ensderfer (Dover)  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenhuetten) 
Blum,  Brown,  Busse,  Christ,  Clauder,  Cortelyou,  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Eber- 
man, (Lancaster)  Edmonds,  Fahs,  Graeff,  Hagen,  Harvey,  Holland,  Jacob- 
son,  Jordan,  Kampmann,  Knauss,  Kummer,  Lennert,  Leibfried,  Masslich, 


88  JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Musselman,  Peisert,  Perkin,  Regenass,  Reichel,  Reinke,  (Litiz)  Reinke, 
(Staten  Island)  Rice,  Rickert,  Ricksecker,  Seidel,  Shultz,  Troeger,  Wein- 
land,  Weiss,  Wolle,  (Dover)  Wolle,  (Bethl.)  W underling.— 48. 

Nays. — The  brethren  Goepp,  Luckenbach,  Raueh,  Tschudy. — 4. 

The  preamble  and  resolution  were  accordingly  adopted. 

Br.  Holland  offered  the  following  resolution,  viz : 

"Resolved  that  the  members  of  our  church  are  enjoined  by  this  Synod  to  a 
faithful  obedience  of  all  laws  on  the  subject  of  temperance,  wherever 
they  exist." 

Br.  Goepp  proposed  to  amend  by  striking  out  all  after  the  word  "temper- 
ance," and  inserting  "as  also  other  laws,  enacted  by  the  proper  lawful  author- 
ities." 

Br.  Lennert  moved  to  lay  the  whole  matter  on  the  table,  on  which  motion 
Br.  Luckenbach  called  the  yeas  and  nays,  which  resulted  as  follows : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Bachman,  Beckler,  Bigler,  Busse,  Christ,  Edmonds, 
Fahs,  Graeff,  Jordan,  Kampmann,  Lennert,  Leibfried,  Luckenbach,  Mass- 
lich,  Miksch,  Musselman,  Rice,  Seidel,  Troeger,  Tschudy,  Weinland,  Weiss, 
Wunderling. — 23. 

Nays. — The  brethren  Barstow,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  Blickens- 
derfer,  (Sharon)  Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenhuetten)  Blum,  Brown,  Clauder, 
Cortelyou,  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Eberman,  (Lancaster)  Goepp,  Hagen,  Harvey, 
Holland,  Jacobson,  Knauss,  Kummer,  Peisert,  Rauch,  Regenass,  Reichel, 
Reinke,  (Litiz)  Reinke,  (Staten  Island)  Rickert,  Ricksecker,  Shultz,  Wolle. 
(Dover)  Wolle,  (Bethl.)— 29. 

The  motion  to  lay  it  on  the  table  was  accordingly  lost. 

Br.  Luckenbach,  offered  the  following  amendment  to  Br.  Goepp's  amend- 
ment :  "the  non-compliance  with  this  resolution,  if  persisted  in,  shall  be 
deemed  sufficient  offence  to  expel  any  member  from  our  church. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bigler,  the  whole  matter  was  postponed  to  the  afternoon. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  Synod  took  a  recess  of  fifteen  minutes. 

On  Synod's  resuming  business,  Br.  Schweinitz  read  the  following  report 
from  the  "Committee  on  Church  Publications  : 

Report  of  the  Committee  ok  Church  Publications. 

The  "  Committee  on  Church  Publications"  beg  leave  to  report  as  follows  : 

It  is  a  well  established  fact  that  at  these  present  times,  the  press  exercises  a 
tremendous  influence  in  the  world,  arid  especially  in  this  country. — 
This  influence  is  either  a  good  or  an  evil  one,  according  as  the  spirit  may 
be  which  directs  it.  Now  according  to  New  Testament  teachings, 
there  are  two  spirits  in  the  world — the  spirit  of  God  and  the  spirit  of 
Anti-Christ.  The  latter,  in  our  day,  is  wide  awake  to  every  advantage 
which  may  offer  for  the  establishment  and  extension  of  his  reign.  Ac- 
cordingly we  find  him  applying  the  power  of  the  press  to  his  own  per- 
nicious uses.  Every  successive  year  sees  a  flood  of  publications  poured 
forth  upon  the  land  in  which  we  dwell,  calculated  to  poison  the  minds 
-of  the  people,  to  excite  the  unhallowed  passions  of  the  human  heart, 
and  to  spread  abroad  an  insidious  infidelity  which  has  led  thousands  to 
make  a  shipwreck  of  their  faith.         Nor  is  this  all.     The  press,  in  th« 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  i'TNOD.  87 

hands  of  open  blasphemy,  has  become  a  fearful  engine  of  hell.  We 
meet  with  pamphlets  and  newspapers  which  boldly  and  fiercely  assail 
what  the  believer  holds  sacred,  and  mockingly  sneer  at  everything  that 
gives  comfort  and  peace  unto  his  heart.  Of  late  years  there  have  been 
published  especially  in  the  German  language,  such  base  revilements  of 
the  name  of  Jesus,  and  such  abominable  perversions  and  applications  of 
his  words,  that  they  can  only  be  regarded  as  the  direct  work  of  the 
adversary,  planned  in  hell,  but  carried  out  upon  earth.  In  substantia- 
tion of  these  assertions,  your  committee  would  point  to  the  fact,  that  for 
inscance  in  Philadelphia,  it  is  a  common  thing  on  the  part  of  proprie- 
tors of  so  called  Lager-beer-houses  to  preface  their  advertisements  in 
newspapers,  with  this  caption  :  "Come  unto  me  all  ye  that  labor  and 
are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  This  is  but  one  example  ; 
many  more  might  be  adduced.  Now  how  shall  such  pernicious  and 
baneful  influences  be  counteracted  ]  The  answer  is  self-evident.  By 
using  for  good  the  same  power  which  Antichrist  employs  for  evil.  The 
Christian  press,  directed  by  the  spirit  of  God,  and  having  in  view  the 
extension  of  Christ's  kingdom,  this  Christian  press  has  exercised  and 
will  continue  to  exercise  a  greater  and  more  universal  influence  than 
even  the  pulpit.  Hence  it  becomes  the  solemn  duty  of  Christ's  Church 
to  lay  hold  of  the  weapon  which  the  Lord  has  given  her  in  order  to 
fight  His  battles,  and  publish  abroad  His  name. 

If  we  regard  our  sister  evangelical  denominations,  we  will  find  that  most,  if 
not  all  of  them,  are  fulfilling  this  duty.  The  Lutheran,  the  Reformed, 
the  Presbyterian,  the  Episcopalian,  the  Methodist  and  other  churches 
are  all  engaged  in  extensive  publishing  operations,  and  generally  have 
church  papers  and  church  magazines  in  abundance.  No  one  can  deny 
that  these  publications  have  done  a  vast  amount  of  good  and  been  blessed 
by  God  to  the  conversion  and  sanctification  of  many  souls.  But  this 
blessing  has  been  laid,  in  an  especial  manner,  upon  the  labors  of  the 
American  Tract  Society,  which  by  its  papers  and  tracts  gains  access  to 
thousands  of  thousands  of  the  people. 

It  is  natural,  therefore,  that  we  should  inquire— what  has  the  American 
Moravian  Church  accomplished  through  the  power  of  the  press  ] 

As  much  as  thirty  three  years  ago.  namely  in  the  year  1822,  the  publication 
of  a  magazine  was  commenced  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  entitled 
"The  Missionary  Intelligencer."  This  journal  had,  indeed,  an  existence 
of  27  years,  but  inasmuch  as  it  confined  itself  exclusively  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  foreign  missions,  containing  scarcely  any  other  mat- 
ter than  letters  from  and  diaries  of  our  missionary  brethren,  and  inas- 
much as  it  appeared  but  quarterly,  its  influence  for  good  was  compara- 
tively small.  Hence  the  Synod  of  1849  determined  on  the  publication 
of  a  monthly  magazine,  entitled  "The  Moravian  Church  Miscellany." 
This  resolution  was  carried  into  effect,  and  the  first  number  of  the  work 
appeared  in  the  month  of  January,  1850.  Without  intending  in  any 
way,  to  call  in  question  the  advantage  which  may  have  resulted  from 
this  publication  to  our  own  church,  and  to  the  cause  of  Christ  in  gen- 
eral ;  your  committee  are  nevertheless,  unanimously  of  opinion,  that 
the  Miscellany,  in  its  present  shape  and  form,  does  not  permit  us  to 
make  that  use  of  the  press  which  we  might  and  should  make,  and  is 
not  calculated  to  satisfy  the  wants  and  necessities  of  the  church.  Your 
committee  believe  that  the  time  has  come,  when  the  Lord  requires  of 
us  to  take  a  more  decided  stand  among  the  other  churches  of  the  land, 
when  we  are  to  speak  to  them,  even  as  they  speak  to  us,  and  when  they 


88  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

and  we  together  are  to  cry  aloud  unto  all  who  will  hear  :  "Repent,  for 
the  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand."  And  even  as  the  press  is  the^brgan 
of  speech,  so  must  the  press  become  our  organ  of  speech.  The  great 
religious  questions  of  the  day,  agitating  as  they  do  the  entire  Christian 
Church,  have  heretofore  been  passed  by  in  silence  on  our  part ;  we 
have  contented  ourselves  with  accounts  from  the  foreign  and  home- 
mission  fields,  and  with  occasional  communications  relative  to  our  own 
local  interests  and  concerns.  But  the  age  is  too  momentous  an  one 
for  any  evangelical  church  to  hold  its  peace,  and  more  especially  for 
our  church,  which  is  so  rich  in  the  experience  and  wisdom  given  by 
history.  It  would  be  contrary  to  the  will  of  Christ,  were  we  not  now 
to  strive  and  make  known  and  felt  in  this  conntry,  that  there  is  a  Mo- 
ravian Church,  a  church  which  has  been  wonderfully  founded,  as  won- 
derfully renewed,  and  which  may  be  preserved  for  enacting  an  import- 
ant part  in  the  final  development  of  the  kingdom  of  God. 

It  is  therefore  the  unanimous  opinion  of  your  committee,  that,  instead  of  the 
Miscellany,  a  weekly  paper  should  be  established,  by  means  of  which 
all  these  objects  may,  with  the  Lord's  blessing,  be  gained,  and  those 
duties  fulfilled  which  we  owe  to  the  cause  of  our  Saviour. 

In  accordance  with  this  opinion,  your  committee  beg  leave  to  recommend 
the  following  resolutions : 

Resolved  ;  1.  That  a  Moravian  Bookstore  and  Publication-office  be  estab- 
lished, and  be  located  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  because  this  city, 
more  than  any  other,  is  frequented  by  our  western  and  southern  breth- 
ren. 

2.  That  at  this  office  a  weekly  church  paper  be  published,  instead  of 
the  present  Church  Miscellany. 

3.  That  the  publication  of  this  paper  be  in  the  hands  of  three  editors 
and  one  publisher,  all  of  whom  are  to  be  appointed  by  the  Synod  and 
be  responsible  to  Synod  ;  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  publisher  and 
editors  to  attend  to  all  things  which  the  respective  names  imply. 

4.  That  the  publisher  shall  reside  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  be  at 
the  same  time  agent  of  the  bookstore,  but  that  it  be  not  necessary  for 
any  of  the  editors,  to  reside  in  said  city. 

5.  That  the  weekly  paper  shall  be  an  unofficial  one,  that  is,  that  all  com- 
munications and  correspondence  shall  be  inserted  on  the  responsibility 
of  the  respective  authors,  and  that  for  the  editorials,  the  editors  shall  be 
responsible  to  the  Synod. 

6.  That  in  order  to  make  the  paper  as  interesting  as  possible,  the  editors 
shall  enter  into  a  direct  correspondence  with  our  foreign  and  home-mis- 
sionaries ;  admit  into  the  columns  all  such  communications  as  are 
written  in  that  spirit  which  becomes  a  church  of  brethren  ;  insert  into 
each  JVo.  a  youth's  department,  intended  especially  for  the  children  of 
our  Sunday-schools;  and  also  a  department  of  general  news. 

7.  That  the  paper  shall  be  printed  by  contract  at  some  established  print- 
ing office  in  Philadelphia;  that  the  price  of  subscription  shall  be  $1  50 
per  annum,  payable  in  advance  ;  and  that  the  first  number  appear  in 
the  first  week  of  the  year  1856. — 

8.  That  in  the  Moravian  Bookstore  there  be  kept  for  sale  a  full  assort- 
ment of  all  the  English  and  German  works  published  by  the  Church, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL]  bliNOi).  &i) 

a  collection  of  miscellaneous  religious  and  school  books,  and  stationery  ; 
that  all  orders  for  Church  books,  from  any  of  our  congregations  be  sent 
to  the  agent  in  Philadelphia  and  by  him  be  filled. 

9.  That  a  suitable  store-room  forthwith  be  rented  in  some  convenient 
locality  in  said  city,  for  the  immediate  opening  of  this  bookstore  ;  and 
that,  in  order  to  insure  the  success  of  the  enterprise,  the  principals  of 
our  boarding-shools  be  requested  to  deal  so  far  as  practicable,  with  this 
church  book  store,  for  the  stationery  and  school  books  needed  by  the 
respective  institutions. 

10.  That  the  agent  of  the   book   store  receive  aji  annual  salary  of 

dollars  from  the  Treasurer  of  the  sustentation  fund,  but  that  all  profits 
of  the  store  or  of  the  publication  office  go  to  said  fund. 

11.  That  in  order  to  render  an  immediate  commencement  of  the  pro- 
ject possible,   the   Synod  appropriate^  capital  of dollars  from    the 

sustentation  fund,  and  invest  it  in  the  book  store  and  publication  office. 

In  support  of  these  resolutions  your  committee  beg  leave  to  state,  that  they 
have  made  an  estimate  of  the  probable  number  of  subscribers  to  a  weekly 
paper,  which  might  be  obtained  within  the  bounds  of  the  American 
Church,  and  believe  that  with  the  proper  exertion,  one  thousand  sub- 
scribers could  be  found  to  begin  with.  One  thousand  subscribers  would 
insure  an  annual  income  of  $1500,  which  would  cover  the  expenses 
connected  with  the  publication.  At  the  same  time,  however,  your  com- 
mittee feel  bound  to  state,  that  from  estimates  sent  in  for  their  consider- 
ation, the  costs  of  publication  would  be  considerably  less  at  Bethlehem, 
than  in  Philadelphia.  Nevertheless,  under  the  conviction  that  a  pub- 
lication office  in  a  city,  would  necessarily  exercise  a  greater  influence, 
and  make  our  church  better  known,  and  stand  in  closer  connection 
with  the  publication  offices  of  other  denominations,  they  have  recom- 
mended the  resolutions  as  given  above. 

As  regards  the  book  store,  your  committee  are  confident  of  its  success,  pro- 
vided it  be  properly  conducted.  And,  in  this  connection,  they  beg 
leave  to  recommend  to  the  consideration  of  the  Synod,  Br.  G.  Perkin, 
as  a  brother  well  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  of  an  agent  and  pub- 
lisher. 

As  to  the  translation  of  the  first  volume  of  Groeger's  history  of  the  Breth- 
ren's Church,  your  committee  recommend  that  an  abridged  translation 
of  the  three  volumes  in  one  be  made. 

EDMUND  SCHWEINITZ,  Chairman. 

H.  G.  CLAUDER, 
FRANCIS  JORDAN. 
T.  R.  HARVEY, 
CHAS.  F.  SEIDEL. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  to  take  up  the  report.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Schweinitz,  accordingly  read  the  first  resolution. 

"Resolved,  that  a  Moravian  book  store  and  publication  office  be  established 
and  that  it  be  located  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  because  this  city, 
more  than  any  other,  is  frequented  by  our  western  and  southern  breth- 
ren." 

i2 


90  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Considerable  discussion  ensued  here,  and  various  suggestions  were  made 
by  the  brethren  in  reference  to  the  resolution. 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to  adjourn  to  1  1-2  P.  M. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  adjourn  to  2  P.  M. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  to  adjourn  to  3  P.  M. 

The  question  having  been  taken   on  the  motion  to  adjourn  to  3  P.  M.,  it 
was  lost. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  motion   to  adjourn  to  2  P.  M.,  it 
was  carried.  * 

Whereupon  the  Svnod  adjourned,  after  singing  :  "Help  us  thv  pleasure  to 
fulfill." 


SIXTEENTH  SESSION. 

2  p.  Wt: — iO  members  present. 

Sung  :  "That  cause  shall  never  suffer  harm."  &C. 
Prayer  by  Br.  Reinke  (Staten  Island.) 

The  President  announced  that  the  "Committee  on  Internal  Arrange- 
ment"  was  ready  to  report. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  suspend  the  report  of  "Committee  on  Church  Publi- 
cations" in  order  to  hear  the  report  of  the  "Committee  on  Internal  Arrange- 
ments."    Agreed  to. 

•    Br.  Lennert  read  the  following  report  from  said  committee. 

REPOKT. 

The  committee  on  the  internal  arrangements  of  particular  congregations  beg 
leave  to  report :  that  in  several  sittings  had,  they  have  carefully  consider- 
ed the  four  sections  of  chapter  second  of  the  Synodal  results  of  1847. 
They  have  no  alterations  or  amendments  to  what  is  therein  contained 
to  offer,  but  would  suggest  to  the  Synod  the  propriety  of  impressing 
upon  our  next  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  the  duty  of  acting  as  um- 
pire when  diificulties  arise,  and  differences  of  opinions  and  views  are 
had  between  the  Elders'  Conferences  and  2Utf|ci)cr*£cUcjitum6,  or  be- 
tween pastors  and  their  committees,  or  between  pastors  and  their  con- 
gregations, and  they  in  such  case  are  appealed  to  by  either  party.  It 
being  the  duty  of  the  P.  E.  C.  to  decide  in  the  matter  according  to  its 
conscientious  convictions  after  having  instituted  a  thorough  investiga- 
tion. (See  §  67  and  §  69  of  Synodal  results  of  1847.)  As  to  §  73  recom- 
mending "the  re-introduction  of  choirmeetings  wherever  practicable" 
your  committee  learned  that  such  meetings  find  no  favor  with  our  peo- 
ple, and  that  in  certain  congregations  where  the  attempt  was  made, 
such  meetings  were  discontinued.  In  connection  with  these  "  choir- 
meetings,"  the  celebration  ot  the  Choir-Festival-Days  was  likewise  con- 
sidered— though  rightly  belonging  to  the  committee  on  ritual — and  your 
committee  was  unanimous  in  declaring  it  as  their  settled  opinion,  that 
the  intent  and  purpose  for  which  such  choir-days  were  originally  intro- 
duced, is  no  longer  answered  by  their  observance,  some  of  the  members 
of  the  respective  choirs  refusing  to  take  part  in  the  exercises.  Still  they 
could  not  take  it  upon  themselves  to  recommend  the  abolishing  of  them, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  91 

but  would  rather  have  the  Synod  to  permit  every  congregation  to  con- 
tinue or  discontinue  them  as  a  majority  of  its  members  may  decide. 

With  regard  to  the  resolutions  from  Br.  Wunderling  and  referred  to  this 
committee,  viz  : 

Whereas  it  is  extremely  unpleasant  for  a  minister,  when  removed  from  one 
station  to  another,  to  be  without  rules  to  regulate  the  adjustment  of 
property  matters  between  himself  and  his  successor  or  predecessor,  there- 
fore 

Resolved,  that  the  committee  on  internal  arrangements  be  instructed  to  in- 
quire into  the  expediency  of  adopting  some  fixed  rules  to  regulate  such 
matters." 

With  regard  to  this  resolution,  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  committee  that  in 
these  matters  no  fixed  rules  can  be  adopted,  but  that  the  brethren  con- 
cerned should  seek  to  come  to  a  brotherly  understanding,  and  that  in 
case  they  cannot  agree,  then  their  committee  should  act  as  umpire. 

WM.  L.  LENNERT,  Chairman. 
THEOPHILUS  WUNDERLING,  Secretary. 

Samuel  reinke, 
joseph  eberman, 
john  p.'  blum, 
isaac  bliokensderfer. 
francis  jordan, 
john  c.  leibfried, 
charles  a.  luckenbach. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  the  report  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  that  the  "Committee  on  use  of  the  Lot"  be  permitted 
to  report.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Eberman  (Nazareth)  read  the  following  report  from  said  committee  : 

Report  of  the  Committee  osr  the  use  of  the  Lot. 

The  question  of  abolishing  the  use  of  the  lot  was  presented  to  our  considera- 
tion in  the  communicationsfrom  our  congregation  of  New- York  and 
Hope,  Indiana  ;  but  inasmuch  as  these  congregations  themselves, 
whilst  desiring  to  have  the  lot  abolished  as  a  church  institution,  yet  ex- 
press their  wish  to  have  it  only  applied  in  a  direct  and  special  manner; 
and  inasmuch  as  it  seems  to  us,  that  the  objections  generally  made  to 
the  use  of  the  lot  are  founded  more  upon  the  abuses  and  misapplication 
thereof  than  upon  any  well  established  doubts  as  to  the  propriety  of 
this  church  institution,  when  properly  and  justly  applied  ;  and  inas- 
much as  we  therefore  believe  that  it  is  only  necessary  for  the  use  of  the 
lot  to  be  restricted  within  its  proper  limits,  and  confined  in  its  applica- 
tion to  the  first  principles  of  the  church  ; — your  committee  respectfully 
suggests,  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions,  as  the  voice  of  this 
Synod  respecting  the  use  of  the  lot. 

Resolved  1.  That  the  lot  shall  be  used  when  the  servant  or  servants  of  the 
church  are  utterly  at  a  loss  in  respect  of  knowing  the  will  of  the  Lord 
and  shall  only  bind  him  or  them  who  cast  it. 

Resolved  2.  That  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  shall  not  use  the  lot  in 
the  appointments  and  calls  of  ministers. 


92  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Resolved  3.  That  any  brother  who  desires  to  have  a  special  lot,  to  direct  him 
in  the  acceptance  or  refusal  of  an  appointment,  shall  have  the  privilege 
upon  his  making  application  therefor  to  the  P.  E.  C.  in  writing  ;  and 
is  bound  to  obey  its  decision. 

W.  EBERMAN, 

H.  G  CLAUDER, 

J.  H.  KUMMER, 

LEWIS  F.  KAMPMANN, 

JOHN  W.  RAUCH, 

C.  D.  BUSSE, 

JACOB  BLICKENSDERFER. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck  the  report  was  laid  on  the  table,  and  the  report  of 
the  "  Committee  on  Church  Publications"  was  taken  up. 

Synod  proceeded  with  the  consideration  of  the  first  resolution. 

Br,  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  all  after  the 
word  "  Philadelphia."     Agreed  to. 

After  considerable  discussion,  Br.  Schweinitz  offered  the  following  resolu- 
tions, viz  : 

"  Resolved,  that  inasmuch  as  it  is  desirable  to  hear  the  report  of  the  "  Com- 
mittee on  Finance,"  in  connection  with  the  recommendation  of  the 
"  Committee  on  Church  Publications,"  the  further  consideration  of  the 
report  of  said  committee  be  deferred  until  the  report  of  the  "  Committee 
on  Finance"  has  been  presented." 

"  Resolved,  that  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Church  Publications"  be 
taken  up  next  in  order  after  the  report  of  the  "  Finance  Committee." 

The  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  report  of  the  "  Comnrttee  on  Internal  Arrangements"  was  now  in 
order  and  the  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  same. 

As  chapter  6  of  Synodal  results  of  1847  had  been  recommended  to  Synod 
by  said  committee  for  readoption, 

On  motion  of  Br.  Hagen,  the  President  read  the  chapter. 

Br.  Bleck  proposed  to  amend  the  last  clause  of  paragraph  64  of  chapter 
2,  by  changing  "subscribe"  to  "assent",  and  "subscribed"  to  "assented." 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  this  amendment,  it  was  lost. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  the  paragraph,  by  striking 
out  all  after  adopted,  and  inserting  "  by  provincial  and  general  Synods."  — 
Agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  paragraph  64  was  adopted. 

The  President  then  read  paragraph  68. 

On   motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  P.  H.  C.  was  changed  into   P.  E.  C.  and  the 

paragraph,  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Hagen  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Inasmuch  as  every  congregation  is  at  liberty  to  prepare  a  draft  of  rules,  sub- 
ject to  the  sanction  of  the  P.  E.  C,  the  ministers  of  our  various  congre- 
gations be  requested  to  use  their  best  endeavors  to  carry  out  the  pro-* 
visions  of  paragraph  64,  as  amended." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  98 

The  Synod  being  equally  divided  on  this  resolution,  it  was  lost. 

The  President  read  paragraph  66,  which  after  some  discussion  was  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Clauder  paragraph  67  was  adopted. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  paragragh  68  by  inserting 
after  appointment  "not  made  by  the  Synod" — agreed  to,  and  the  paragraph 
as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  President  read  paragraph  69. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  the  words, 
"no  congregation  has  any  right  to  protest  against  the  proceedings  of  the  P. 
E.  C.  in  the  removal  of  their  ministers  ;  and  though"      Agreed  to. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  the  last  clause  of  the  same 
paragraph  by  striking  out  all  except  the  last  sentence,  from  "conference"'  to 
"disposition." — Agreed  to, — and  the  paragragh  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  President  passed  on  to  the  third  section  of  chapter  6.  Synodal  results 
of  1847. 

Br.  Lennert  called  the  attention  of  the  Synod  to  that  part  of  the  report  of 
the  "Committee  on  Internal  Arrangements,"  which  referred  to  paragraph  73  of 
this  section,  when  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  recommit  the  mat- 
ter relating  to  the  choir-meetings  and  choir-festivals  to  the  "Committee  on  In- 
ternal Arrangements"  with  instructions  to  report  a  section  embracing  their 
views  in  concise  form  to  be  adopted  in  lieu  of  paragraph  73,  chapter  6,  Synod- 
al results  of  1847.     Agreed  to. 

Paragraph  74,  78,  76  and  77,  were,  after  reading,  respectively  adopted. 

On  motion  the  Synod  Rejourned  to  Tuesday,  8  1-2  A.  M.,  after  singing: 
"ftricfccugfont;},  «5cnn'g  ecin  ^iLlc."  it.  f.  n\ 


SEVENTEENTH  SESSION. 

Tuesday.  May  15th,  8  1-2  i>.  m. — 45  members  present. 

Sung:  "Blessed  Jesus,  all  our  hearts  incline"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Kummer. — Texts  of  the  day  read. 

Minutes  of  yesterday's  Session  read,    amended  and  adopted. 

The  President  proceeded  to  call  on  committees  to  report,  when  Br.  Wolle 
(Bethl.)  read  the  following  report  from  the  "  Committee  on  Education"  : 

Report  of  the  Committee    on  Education. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  8th  chapter  of  the  Synodal  results 
of  1848,  treating  on  Education,  beg  leave  to  report,  in  part,  as  fol- 
lows : 

The  time  afforded  to  your  committee  did  not  allow  of  as  thorough  an  invest- 
igation of  the  subjects  committed  to  them,  as  they  desired  ;  and  con- 
sidering the  vital  importance  of  the  future  interests  of  our  Church,  of 
that  institution  in  which  is  trained  its  ministry,  they  regarded  it  their 
duty  to  bestow  their  chief  attention  upon  the  Theological  Seminary  and 
the  preparatory  class  of  students  attached  to  it. 


94  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

There  is  scarcely  a  more  prominent  and  healthful  sign  of  the  times  in  our 
church,  than  the  general  longing  for  its  greater  efficiency  and  for  the 
enlargement  of  its  borders.  This,  we  fully  believe,  is  the  work  of  di- 
vine grace,  and  springs  from  a  more  intense  and  operative  affection  for 
human  souls.  In  the  course  of  providence  we  seem  to  be  imperatively 
called  upon  to  break  forth  from  our  narrow  bounds,  to  go  out  and  bear  the 
tidings  of  a  crucified  Saviour  to  many  destitute  places,  yea,  to  preach 
the  Gospel  of  peace  through  the  entire  length  and  breadth  of  the  land. 

But  a  great  impediment  presents  itself  at  the  very  threshold  of  any  attempt 
at  extensive  operations  of  a  missionary  character.  It  is  the  want  of  a 
sufficiently  numerous,  intelligent,  and  well-trained  ministry.  We  might 
call  for  recruits  from  the  body  of  the  church  ;  and  animated  by  holy 
zeal,  and  inspired  by  devotedness  to  the  Savior,  our  missionary  enter- 
prizes  might  still  be  carried  on  vigorously  and  efficiently.  But  we  are 
obliged  to  confess  to  a  sad  destitution  among  us  of  such  who  by  educa- 
tion might  be  supposed  to  be  fitted  for  the  work,  or  prepared  in  any  man- 
ner to  cope  with  the  difficulties  of  the  present  age.  The  number  of 
young  men,  trained  to  occupy  the  higher  positions  of  usefulness  in  so- 
ciety, is  very  limited  :  and  the  means  of  the  great  majority  of  our  peo- 
ble  are  insufficient  to  meet  the  expenses  of  a  liberal  education.  Pious 
young  men,  willing  and  eager  to  devote  themselves  to  the  service  of 
Christ  in  our  church,  as  preachers  of  the  Gospel,  have  occasionally  been 
found,  but  for  want  of  funds  to  meet  the  exigency  of  their  education,  or 
for  want  of  a  suitable  institution  to  receive  them,  they  have  been  turned 
back  to  their  worldly  avocation*,  or  to  seek  congenial  employment  in 
the  bosom  of  sister  churches. 

Entertaining  these  opinions,  your  committee  offer  the  following  preamble 
and  resolutions  : 

Whereas  it  seems  very  desirable  that  the  Church  should  have  an  institution 
in  which  the  youths  of  our  congregations  can  pursue  a  collegiate  course 
of  studies,  either  with  a  view  to  fit  themselves  for  the  various  avoca- 
tions of  life,  or  with  the  ulimate  object  of  entering  the  ministry,  there- 
fore 

"Resolved  1.  That  a  Moravian  College  be  established,  into  which  shall  be 
admitted  not  only  such  Moravian  children  as  have  previously  com- 
menced a  course  of  studies  in  Nazareth  Hall,  and  desire  to  continue 
them,  but  also  such  youth  in  any  of  our  congregations,  as  have  com- 
menced their  studies  elsewhere,  and  wish  to  pursue  a  collegiate  course 
under  the  auspices  of  the  church :  and  that  every  endeavor  be  made  to 
have  this  institution  endowed. 

2.  That  the  course  of  instruction  embrace   all  those  branches  which  belong 

to  a  full  collegiate  course,  and  that  a  careful  instruction  in  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Christian  religion  be  combined  therewith. 

3.  That  the  commencement  of  this  Moravian  College  be  at  once  made  with 

the  Moravian  members  of  the  select  class  at  Nazareth  Hall. 

4.  That  the  P.  E.  Conference  be  instructed  to  enter  into  such  negotiations 

with  the  Nazareth  congregation  as  may  result  in  an  exchange  of  the 
present  seminary  building,  (the  Naz.  Sisters  House)  for  the  building  and 
land,  called  Ephrata  ;  and  that  both  the  Moravian  College  and  the 
Theological  Seminary  be  located  there  ;  and  that  steps  be  taken  to  have 
the  same  incorporated,  as  soon  as  possible. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  .SYNOD.  95 

5.  That  the  professors  of  the  college  shall  be  members  of  the  Moravian 
church,  and  the  principal  professor  be  a  married  man. 

PART  II. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  our  church  institutions  of  learning  at  the  East,  owing 
to  distance,  expense  and  the  want  of  preparatory  knowledge  on  the  part 
of  the  young  men  in  our  western  congregations,  are  rendered  almost  en- 
tirely inaccessible  to  them — 

In  view  further,  of  the  great  lack  of  properly  educated  men  to  enter  the 
ministry  in  the  church,  and  especially  the  Home-mission  service  ;  and, 
to  afford  our  youth  in  the  West  an  opportunity  to  fit  themselves  for  an 
intelligent,  active  and  useful  discharge  of  their  Christian  duties  in 
general,  as  well  as  to  prepare  suitable  candidates  for  entering  the  The- 
ological Seminary  at  Nazareth. 

"  Resolved  1.  That  this  Synod  favors  the  establishment  of  a  Moravian  High 
School,  at  or  near  Sharon,  Ohio. 

2.  That  as  soon  as  a  sufficient  quantity  of  land  shall  have  been  procured,  and 
the  requisite  building  or  buldings  shall  have  been  erected  by  the  west- 
ern congregations,  the  P.  E.  C.  shall  be  required  to  appoint  a  compe- 
tent professor,  and  to  secure  for  him  a  suitable  salary  from  any  means  at 
their  disposal. 

PART  III. 

As  regards  the  Theological  Seminary,  your  committee  propose  the  following 
resolutions  : 

1.  That  the  course   of .  instruction  in  our  Theological  Seminary  shall  be  of 

three  year's  duration,  and  that  previous  to  admission  into  it,  candidates 
must  be  examined  as  to  their  acquirements;  and  that  none  be  received 
unless  they  give  evidence  not  only  of  the  sincerity  of  their  purposes,  but 
also  of  their  practical  piety. 

2.  That  we  highly  favor  the  measure  of  receiving  pious  young  men  into  the 

Seminary,  even  without  a  previous  collegiate  education,  if  they  approve 
themselves  otherwise  well  qualified  for  the  service  of  the  church. 

3.  That  such  young  men  be  encouraged  to  come  forward,  and  that  we  call 

upon  the  respective  congregations  to  raise  the  means  among  themselves 
for  the  entire  or  partial  support  of  such  ;  hoping  thereby  to  beget  a  more 
direct  and  lively  interest  in  the  prosperity  of  this  institution. 

4.  That  in   consideration  of  the   annual   contribution  which  the  Southern 

Conference  makes  to  the  support  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  they 
are  entitled  to  enter  students  into  this  institution,  and  are  also  fully  en- 
titled from  time  to  time  to  the  services  of  a  student  at  the  expiration  of 
his  term. 

5.  That  the  professors  in  the  Seminary  must  be  men  of  decided  piety,  and 

literary  acquirements,  and  the  principal  professor  a  man  of  ministerial 
experience  ;  and  that  the  spiritual  charge  over  the  students  belongs  to 
the  principal  professor,  and  must  be  faithfully  attended  to  by  him. 

6.  That  the  annual  appropriation  for  the  Library  of  the  Theological  Semina- 

ry be  increased  from  thirty  to  fifty  dollars,  and  that  the  faculty  of  the 
college  and  seminary  have  the  right  to  expend  the  money  and  select 
the  books. 


&6  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

7.  That  the  principal  professor  of  the  Theological  Seminary   be   for  the   fu- 
/      ture   elected   by  the  Synod,  and  that  the  first  election  be  held  ai  this 

time,  in  order  to  fill  the  present  vacancy  without  delay. 

8.  That  the  brother  from  the  South,  being  an  advisory  member,  is  entitled 

to  one  vote  at  the  present  election. 

9.  That  the  professor  be  accountable  for  his  official  acts  to  the  P.  E.  C.  and 

that  in  the  interval  between  two  Synods  the  P.  E.  C.  have  the  power 
ot  filling  vacancies  and  of  removal  in  case  of  delinqency  and  disabilitiy 
on  the  part  of  the  professor. 

SYLV.  WOLLE,  Chairman, 

EDMUND  SCHWEINITZ,  Secretary. 

F.  HAGEN, 
L.  KAMPMANN, 
F.  HOLLAND, 
A.  REINKE, 
E.  REICHEL. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  report  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  take  up  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  the  use  of 
the  Lot."     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  the  resolutions  of  said  committee  be  now  taken  iri 
consideration. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  amend,  "  be  now  taken  up  separately."     Agreed  to. 

The  President  read  the  first  resolution  of  the  report,  when  Br.  Goepp, 
moved  to  lay  the  first  resolution  on  the  table,  and  take  up  the  2d,  first. — 
Agreed  to. 

The  President  read  the  second  resolution  of  the  report  as  follows  : 

"Resolved,  that  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  shall  not  use  the  lot  in  the 
appointments  and  calls  of  ministers." 

This  resolution  elicited  considerable  discussion,  and  expression  of  opinion, 
when  Br.  Kampmann,  offered  the  following  amendment  : 

"Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  may  use  the  lot  for  their  own  direction  in  the 
giving  of  calls  ;  but  shall  not  be  allowed  to  allege  such  a  lot  as  a  reason 
for  a  call  given  to  a  brother." 

Br.  Schweinilz,  offered  the  following  resolution : 

"Resolved,  that  the  lot  shall  be  used  in  one  case  viz :  when  a  brother  who 
has  received  a  call  from  the  P.  E.  C.  requests  a  special  lot  for  himself." 

Br.  Hagen  called  the  yeas  and  nays,  which  resulted  as  follows  : 

Yeas. — The  brethren,  Barstow,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  Blum,  Brown, 
Busse,  Christ,  Clauder,  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Eberman,  (Lancaster)  Edmonds] 
Egbert,  Fahs,  Graeff,  Holland,  Jordan,  Leibfried,  Luckenbach,  Musselman, 
Peisert,  Rauch,  Reinke,  (Litiz)  Reinke,  (Staten  Island)  Rice,  Rickert, 
Schweinitz,  Troeger,  Weinland,  Weiss. — 28, 

Nays.— The  brethren,  Bachman,  Beckler,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon) 
Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenhuetten)  Cortelyou,  Goepp,  Hagan,  Heckert,  Jacob- 
son,  Kampmann,  Kummer,  Masslich,  Oehler,  Regenass,  Reichel,  Ricksecker, 
Shultz,  Wolle,  (Dover)  Wolle,  (Bethl.)  Wunderling.— 22. 

So  the  resolution  was  adopted. 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  97 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  now  moved  to  amend  the  above  resolution 
as  follows  ;  strike  out  the  words,  "  one  case"  and  insert,  "  two  cases"  ;  and 
append  the  following  : 

2.  "When  the  P.  E.  C.  in  making  appointments  are  utterly  unable  to  decide 
between  two  or  more  brethren,  the  question  may  be  asked  by  lot,  to 
whom  shall  the  offer  be  first  made,  but  such  use  of  the  lot  shall  be  bind- 
ing on  the  P.  E.  C.  only,  and  not  on  the  person  to  whom  such  offer  is 
made." 

On  which  amendment  Br.  Bleck  called  the  yeas  and  nays,  which  resulted 
as  follows : 

Yeas. — The  brethren,  Bachman,  Beckler,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon) 
Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenhuetten)  Cortelyou,  Goepp,  Hagen,  Harvey,  Heck- 
ert,  Jacobson,  Kummer,  Masslich,  Miksch,  Musselman,  Oehler,  Regenass, 
Reichel,  Reinke,  (Litiz)  Ricksecker,  Shultz,  Weinland,  Wolle,  (Dover)  Wolle, 
(Bethl.)  Wunderling.— 25. 

Nays. — The  brethren,  Barstow,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  Blum,  Brown, 
Busse,  Christ,  Clauder,  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Eberman,  (Lancaster)  Edmonds, 
Egbert,  Fahs,  Holland,  Jordan,  Kampmann,  Leibfried,  Luckenbach,  Peisert, 
Reinke,  (Staten  Island)  Rice,  Schweinitz,  Troeger,  Weiss, — 23. 

Br.  Goepp  now  called  for  the  question,  on  the  adoption  of  the  resolutions 
as  amended,  pending  which,  ths  Synod  adjourned  to  3  P.  M.,  after  singing  ; 

"  @o  langc  3cfu$  Mcibt  fccr  Jpcrr,"  u.  f.  w. 


EIGHTEENTH  SESSION. 
3  p.  M. — 44  members  present. 

Sung :  "  3n  attctt  mcinctt  Xfyatcn,"  u.  f.  w. — Prayer  by  Br.  Oehler. 

Br.  Schweinitz  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  : 

"  Whereas  it  is  the  duty  of  this  Synod  to  conduct  all  its  deliber- 
ations in  a  spirit  of  brotherly  kindness,  and  when  difficulties 
occur,  to  let  the  law  of  love  supersede  all  other  laws,  therefore 

"  Resolved,  that  the  rules  be  now  suspended,  and  the  resolution  in 
reference  to  the  lot  offered  by  the  brother  from  Philadelphia, 
and  the  resolution  in  reference  to  the  same  subject  offered  by 
the  brother  from  Sharon,  stand  side  by  side,  and  are  now  be- 
fore the  Synod  for  a  final  vote,  and  that  the  vote  be  taken 
upon  the  adoption  of  each  resolution  separately." 

This  preamble  and  resolution  were,  after  considerable  conversation  with- 
drawn and  on  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  the  whole  matter  was 
recommitted  to  the  "  Committee  on  the  use  of  the  Lot." 

Br.  Lennert  read  the  following  report  in  part,  from  the  "  Committee  on 
Internal  Arrangements"  : 

13 


98  JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Report  from  the  Committee  on  Interna!  Arrangements  &c. 

Your  committee  having  learned  that  in  obedience  with  the  recommendation 
contained  in  §  73,  the  attempt  has  been  made  in  several  of  our  eastern 
and  western  congregations  to  re-introduce  "  special  meetings  for  the 
respective  choirs,'1"  but  that  in  some  of  them  they  found  little  favor  with 
the  members  ;  and  inasmuch  as  many  of  our  members  will  not  attend 
the  special  meetings  on  their  choir-festival  days,  and  hence  the  end  and 
aim  for  which  they  were  originally  introduced  is  not  answered,  though 
to  the  persons  taking  part  in  them  they  may  prove  to  be  a  blessing, 

"  Resolved  therefore,  that  the  different  congregations  be  allowed  by  this 
Provincial  Synod  to  decide  for  themselves  wnat  choir-meetings  shall  be 
held  and  what  choir-festivals  shall  be  observed." 

In  the  name  of  Committee  of  Internal  Arrangements. 

WM.  L.  LENNERT,  Chairman. 
On  motion  of  Br.  Holland,  the  report  was  adopted. 

Br.  Goepp  read  the  following  report,  in  part,  from  the  "  Committee  on 
Finance."  «•"• — "*~* — ""<*" 

..- REPORT. 

The  committee  on  Finance  and  all  matters  relating  to  Chapter  IV.  of  the 
results  of  the  Provincial  Synod  of  1847  report  to  the  Synod  as  follows  : 

The  committee  in  the  first  place  beg  leave  to  state  historical  facts  as  to  the 
origin  of  the  several  financial  concerns  in  this  Province  of  the  United 
Brethren's  church,  and  to  the  actual  position  or  relation,  in  which 
they  stand  to  each  other. 

II.  To  give  a  statement  of  the  amount  of  property,  which  at  this  time  is 

under  the  control  of  the  church  of  this  province. 

III.  To  suggest  a  few  leading  principles  in  relation  to  the  management,  of 
the  same  and  of  the  appropriations  to  be  made  of  the  income  of  the 
funds  belonging  to  the  church. 

IV.  After  having  given  these  statements  in  the  way  of  a  preamble,  they 
propose  to  recommend  a  series  of  resolutions  bearing  upon  the  financial 
interests  of  the  church  for  the  adoption  of  the  Synod. 

I.      STATEMENT  OF  HISTORICAL  FACTS. 

Up  to  the  year  1771,  that  is  to  say,  during  the  first  thirty  years  from  the 
establishment  of  the  U.  Brn's  Church  in  this  country  the  whole  of  the 
Moravian  property  was  held  either  by  single  individuals,  or  by  joint 
tenants  or  tenants  in  common  in  their  individual  capacity.  The  number 
of  acres  so  held  in  1771  amounted  to  upwards  of  17000,  which  were 
valued  at  the  rate  of  $5  1-3  per.  acre  in  the  aggregate  worth  $85,000. 
These  lands  had  been  bought  by  brethren  either  residing  in  Europe,  or 
who  had  come  over  to  this  country  for  that  purpose  ;  they  had  been 
paid  for  either  in  cash  out  of  the  funds  belonging  individually  to  these 
brethren,  or  by  bonds  and  securities  given  in  their  individual  names. 

The  ultimate  ends  in  all  these  transactions  were  the  furtherance  and  promo- 
ting of  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord,  but  why  they  thought  fit  to  acquire  so 
large  tracts  of  land,  remains  to  the  present  time  unexplained.  One  thing 
is  certain,  that  our  ancestors  had  no  intention  whatever  at  this  time,  of 
speculating  in  the  purchase  and  sale  of  lands.  Upon  these  lands  sever- 
al congregations  had  been  established,  which  up  to  1771  had  no  property 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  99 

of  their  own,  their  financial  concerns  being  mixed  up  with  the  general 
management  of  the  affairs  of  the  church  in  this  country.  The  members 
of  the  congregations  were  mostly  poor,  and  in  some  of  them  even  asso- 
ciated into  a  common  household.  Every  thing  was  carried  on  on  a 
small  scale  and  in  an  humble  way. 

After  the  death  of  Count  Zinzendorf  in  1760— or  more  properly  speaking* 
even  before — it  became  apparent,  that,  owing  to  the  much  more  liberal 
if  not  extravagant  spirit  of  the  management  of  the  church  affairs  in 
Europe,  to  the  frequency  of  changes  and  removals  of  ministers  and 
laborers,  and  to  the  costly  household  of  the  so-called  "  Pilgrim's  Con- 
gregation," the  Church  at  large — or  more  properly  speaking — the 
brethren,  who  had  lent  their  names  and  their  means  to  the  carrying  on 
of  the  operations  of  the  church,  were  indebted  to  an  amount  exceeding 
the  assets  in  their  hands  to  a  sum  of  nearly  one  million  of  Thalars  ($750,- 
000.)  At  the  Synods  held  in  1764  and  1769,  the  ministers  and  repre- 
sentatives of  the  church  unanimously  resolved,  to  take  this  heavy  respon- 
sibility from  the  shoulders  of  the  Zinzendorf  family  and  of  all  other 
individuals,  and  to  institute  a  financial  board,  called  the  Unity's  Ward- 
ens' College,  whose  exclusive  business  it  should  be,  to  manage  the 
whole  of  the  assets  as  a  trust-fund,  for  the  purpose  of  providing  for  the 
regular  payment  of  interest,  and  if  possible,  with  the  help  of  the  Lord, 
for  the  payment  of  the  principal  also.  This  was  originally  the  only 
object  for  which  the  Unity's  Wardens'  College  was  ^created.  They 
were  not  to  provide  for  the  wants  of  sustentation,  education  or  missions, 
which  were  to  be  provided  for  by  individuals  and  voluntary  contribu- 
tions, or  by  contributions  of  the  several  congregations.  Thus  the 
Unity's  Property  in  general  was  according  to  the  principles  of  the  Synod 
of  1764  and  1769  a  mere  trust-fund,  the  U.  W.  College  were  the  assign- 
ees entrusted  with  that  fund  for  the  benefit  of  the  creditors  and  event- 
ually for  the  benefit  of  the  Unity.  The  several  congregations  were  to 
stand  entirely  by  themselves  and  not  to  depend  upon  any  aid  from  that 
quarter. 

Now,  in  order  to  enable  our  congregations  in  Bethlehem  and  Nazareth,  so 
to  do,  having  no  property  of  their  own,  a  settlement  was  arranged  be- 
tween these  congregations  and  the  U.  W.  College.  Bethlehem,  in 
1771,  received  nearly  four  thousand  acres  of  land,  in  consideration  of 
which  it  assumed  debts  of  the  Unity  to  the  amount  of  about  $87,000; 
the  lands,  improvements  and  houses  and  all  other  property  being  esti- 
mated at  what  was  then  considered  a  fair  valuation.  This  was  the 
origin  of  the  congregation  Diacony  of  Bethlehem ;  a  similar  arrange- 
ment took  place  between  Nazareth  and  the  U.  W.  College  in  1772  and 
1775.  Litiz  congregation  Diacony  was  established  in  a  similar  manner 
but  on  a  somewhat  smaller  scale.  These  congregations  agreed  in  a 
brotherly  way  not  to  entertain  any  further  claims  on  the  property  of  the 
Unity ;  but  on  the  other  hand  the  agreement  was  understood  to  be  a 
fair  contract,  releasing  likewise  these  congregations  from  all  distinct 
claims  on  the  part  of  the  Unity  in  general. 

What  remained  of  the  Unity's  property  in  this  section  of  the  country  was 
and  up  to  this  time  has  been  under  the  management  of  an  agent  of  the 
U.  W.  College,  called  the  Unity's  Administrator.  It  is  an  integral 
part  of  what  was  an  original  trust-fund,  established  for  the  only  pur- 
pose of  paying  off  an  enormous  weight  of  liabilities. 

The  necessities  of  the  church  in  general  in  this  country  or  in  this  province 
were  to  be  provided  for  by  the  contributions  from  the  several  congrega- 


100  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

tion  Diaconies  and  by  individual  contributions ;  the  management  of  the 
money  affairs  of  the  church  was  called  the  Sustentation  and  Educational 
Diacony.  Sustentation  Diacony  and  Unity's  Administration  were  en- 
tirely independent  from  each  other  and  are  so  to  this  day ;  although  for 
a  length  of  time  under  the  management  of  one  and  the  same  brother, 
the  Unity's  Administrator,  he  being  a  member  of  the  P.  E.  C.  ex  officio. 

From  what  has  been  stated  it  will  be  evident,  that  originally  the  Sustenta- 
tion Diacony  had  no  claims  on  the  Administration,  nor  the  latter  on 
the  former.  There  were  claims  in  existence  from  the  very  beginning 
of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  against  the  Congregation  Diaconies. — 
These  claims  have  been  settled  in  1851  as  to  Bethlehem,  and  are  about 
being  settled  as  to  Nazareth  and  Litiz. 

Our  city  and  country  congregations  have  been  standing  on  their  own  foot- 
ing ever  since  they  were  established,  in  conformity  with  the  system 
adopted  by  the  General  Synod  of  1769. 

In  the  course,  of  time  the  General  Synods  held  at  different  times  in  1775, 
'82,  '89,  1801,  '18,  '25,  '36  and  '48  deviated  considerably  in  their  resolu- 
tion concerning  financial  matters  from  the  principles  laid  down  in  1764 
and  1769,  but  their  deviations  would  never  rightfully  affect  our  congre- 
gations, inasmuch  as  they  had  entered  into  their  agreements  with  the 
Unity  on  the  dictinct  principles  of  the  Synods  of  1764  and  '69.  In  the 
course  of  time  relief  was  afforded  on  the  part  of  the  U.  W.  College  to  a 
number  of  embarrassed  congregations  in  Europe,  and  even  our  place-con- 
gregations, had,  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the  old  system,  large  sums  ad- 
vanced to  them  on  the  part  of  the  Unity,  and  occasionally  even  accepted 
of  direct  donations  or  appropriations.  Bethlehem  was  up  to  1837  in- 
debted to  the  Unity  to  the  amount  of  $80,000;  Nazareth  $50,000 ; 
Litiz  $12,000  for  which  sums  at  first  five  per  cent  and  latterly  only 
four  and  a  half  per  cent  were  asked.  The  Sustentation  Diacony 
was  likewise  occasionally  very  materially  relieved  by  the  Unity  by  year- 
ly appropriations  and  as  late  as  1847  the  Unity's  W.  College  remitted 
to  Nazareth  Hall  a  debt,  that  had  accumulated  to  the  amount  of  nearly 
$14,000.  But  to  our  knowledge  our  city  and  country  congregations 
have  never  had  any  direct  relief  afforded  to  them  by  the  Unity  in  gen- 
eral, only  indirectly  through  our  Sustentation  Diacony. 

Our  place-congregations,  at  least  Bethlehem  and  Nazareth,  having  through 
the  mercy  of  the  Lord  succeeded  in  gradually  freeing  themselves  from 
nearly  the  whole  of  their  indebtedness,  they  as  well  as  Litiz,  are  now 
enabled  and  willing  (and  Bethlehem  has  already  done  so)  to  relinquish 
a  part  of  their  property,  nearly  one  half  of  the  same,  to  the  Sustentation 
Diacony,  but  on  the  express  condition,  that  the  funds  so  transferred  to 
the  Sustentation  Diacony  remain  unimpaired  and  undiminished  as  a 
trust-fund  held  by  the  P.  E.  C.  or  by  the  church  of  our  province,  for  the 
purpose  of  appropriating  the  yearly  income  to  be  derived  therefrom  for 
the  benefit  of  our  Sustentation  and  Educational  Diacony,  and  for  no 
other  purpose  whatever.  The  capital  is  to  remain  untouched  and  un- 
diminished. 

Our  city  and  country  congregations  as  yet  have  no  funds  belonging  to  them 
beyond  their  own  necessities,  and  therefore  cannot  be  expected  to  settle 
with  the  church  in  this  province  ;  but  the  church  on  the  other  hand  has 
hitherto  considered  itself  bound,  and  will  continue  to  do  so,  to  adminis- 
ter to  their  wants  as  far  as  is  practicable. 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  101 

As  the  Unity  in  general  has  succeeded  in  extinquishing  entirely  the  excess 
of  liabilities  over  their  assets,  and  as  there  is  now  even  a  yearly  surplus 
of  income,  the  U.  W.  College  have  for  a  length  of  time  regularly  appro- 
priated their  surplus  of  income  towards  relieving  embarrassed  Diaconies 
and  congregations,  and  even  towards  the  relief  of  the  European  Susten- 
tation  Diacony.  Now  as  our  embarrassed  city  and  country  congre- 
gations stand  likewise  very  much  in  need  of  some  such  relief,  the  ques- 
tion might  arise,  whether  they,  or  we  in  their  name,  ought  not  to 
look  towards  our  brethren  of  the  U.  E.  C.  for  some  relief  out  of 
the  Unity]  But  whether  our  brethren  in  Europe  are  actually  enabled 
to  do  something  in  that  way,  considering  the  heavy  liabilities,  with 
which  as  yet  a  great  many  of  our  European  congregation  Diaconies  are 
encumbered,  and  for  which  the  Unity  in  general  has  made  itself  liable, 
contrary  to  the  spirit  and  letter  of  the  Synod  of  17(39,  is  quite  a  differ- 
ent question,  which  your  committee  could  not  take  upon  themselves  to 
answer.  If  some  such  demands  were  actually  made,  our  brethren  in 
Europe  would  probably  set  up  against  it  a  long  statement  of  relief 
actually  afforded  to  our  Diaconies,  the  necessity  of  which  under  a  differ- 
ent management  might  have  been  avoided,  but  which  nevertheless  have 
been  accepted,  and  have  been  the  very  cause,  why  we  here  only  lately 
seriously  thought  of  standing  on  our  own  feet,  and  digging  up  the  tal- 
ents, that  had  been  entrusted  to  us,  but  had  been  buried  in  the  ground. 
Your  committee  therefore  is  inclined  to  consider  it  to  be  the  best  and 
fairest  policy  not  to  prefer  any  such  claims,  but  to  stand  independent 
as  to  the  financial  affairs,  being  connected  with  our  brethren  in  Europe 
as  to  financial  affairs  only  by  the  bonds  of  mutual  brotherly  love. 

II.     STATEMENT  OF  THE  AMOUNT  OF  PROPERTY, 

which   is   at  this  time  under  the  control  of  the  church   of  this  province. 

A.     Propertt  belonging  to  the  Sustentation  Diacont  not  subject 

to  ant  Trust. 

I.  Monet  on  Interest. 

Nazareth  Hall,  $9600  00 

Congregation  at  Philadelphia,  500  00 

do.  at  Brooklyn,  2000  00 

do.  at  W  ate rtown,  Wise.  100  00 

Iowa  Settlement,  100  00 

Unity's  Administration,  Beth.  1716  00 


II.  Stocks  : 
Bethlehem  Water  Co.,  200  00 

Lehigh  Bridge  Co.,  (7.  sh.)  700  00 


III.  Houses  in  Bethlehem 
Widows'  House,  Bookvalue.  2416  00 

S.  S.  House,  do  1600  00 

Old  Church  ;  bought  at  2000  00 

President's  House,  2648  00 


IV.  Land  : 

Hoped  ale  old  Lot,  1950  00 

Parsonage  Lot,  1327  00 


3277  00 


14016  00 


900  00 


8664  00 


$23,580  00 


102 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 


Brought  over 

3277  00 

$  23580  00 

Hebron  at  Lebanon, 

1475  00 

4752  00 
100  00 

V.  Furniture, 

VI.  Bookstore, 

639  00 

VII.  Debtors  in 

Account  Ci 

7RRENT  : 

Nazareth  Hall, 

$4869  00 

Un.  Administration, 

58  00 

Lebanon  Church, 

80  00 

Church  Miscellany, 

225  00 

Gnadenhuetten, 

75  00 

Sharon, 

130  00 

Dover, 

101   00 

Camden, 

33  00 

Sundries, 

43  00 



5614  00 

VIII.  Cash  in  hand, 

sets 

2146  00 

Total  of  ass 

$36831   00 

Deduct 

Liabilities : 

Ministers'  Aid  Society, 

1100  00 

Newport  Fund, 

1114  00 

Wid.  &  S.  H.  Funds, 

2758  00 

Elizabeth  Ritter, 

400  00 

Annuity, 

1000  00 

American  Tract  Society, 

400  00 

Sundries, 

129  00 

Schoeneck  Fund, 

1745  00 

Fund  of  Theol.  Sem.  created 

by  sale  of  house, 

2300  00 

Deduct  total  ot  Liabilities 

10,946  00 

Leaves  total  of  Assets  free  of  any  Trust  $25,885  00 

B.     Property  held  in  Trust. 

1.  Bethlehem  Fund,   now  invested 

with  Un.  Admin'or  at  5  per  cent  $98730  00 

2.  For  the  benefit  of  Theol.  Semina-  % 

ry,  Capital  invested  with  Un.    ■ 
Admin'or  1100  00 

Proceeds  of  the  Sale  of  House       2300  00 

102,130  00 

Total  amount  of  excess  of  assets  over  


liabilities  held  June  1st,  1854  $128,015  00 

Out  of  this  amount,  about  $8500  00  are  not  only  unavailable,  but  will  hard- 
ly ever  be  recovered  ;  about  $1200  00  bear  no  interest.  We  are  glad 
to  be  enabled  to  add  that  there  is  a  great  probability  that  the  Trust-funds 
will,  within  a  short  time,  be  considerably  increased  by  the  results  from 
the  settlements  just  now  agreed  upon  to  take  place  between  the  con- 
gregation at  Nazareth  (about  $50,000  00)  and  Litiz  (about  $25,000  00) 
with  Sustentation  Diacony,  when  the  funds  so  held  in  trust  will  amount 
to  about  $177,000  00.     Besides  the  income  from  these  funds  the  Sus- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  103 

tentation  Diacony  is  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  legacy  of  $1200  00  annu- 
ally from  our  deceased  brother  G.  Haga  of  Philadelphia. 

On  the  1st  of  June  1849  there  was  a  surplus  of  liabilities  over  assets  amount- 
ing to  $1086  00 
On  the  1st  of  June  1854  a  surplus  of  assets  25832  00 

26918  00 
To  which  add  the  Bethlehem  fund  98730  00 


Which  will  show  a  total  improvement  since  1849  of  $125,648  00 

Which  since  June  1st,  '55,  has  been  increased  by  an 

addition  of  more  than  $3000  00  to  the  Bethl'm  fund. 

This  result  has,  by  the  mercy  of  the  Lord,  been  brought  about,  not  by  out- 
side donations,  but  through  the  willingness  of  our  Brethren  so  to  ar- 
range their  affairs,  as  to  render  their  hitherto  unavailable  funds  and  hid- 
den treasures  profitable,  and  even  to  part  with  a  very  considerable  share 
of  the  same  for  the  benefit  of  the  Lord's  Kingdom  ! 

From  June  1st,  1848,  to  May  31st,  1849,  the  receipts  of  the  Sustentation 
Diacony,  after  deducting  $500  00,  received  from  U.  W.  College,  amount- 
ed to  about  $4027  00 

From  June  1st,  1853,  to  May  31st,  1854,  the  receipts, 

without  any  aid  from  abroad,  amounted  to  9982  00 

Being  an  increase  or  improvement  of  $5955  00 

In  1848—49  the  expenditures  amounted  to  $6192  00 
In  1853—54  "  "  6955  00 


Increase  of  expenditures  763  00 

Leaving  a  total  improvement  of  $5192  00 

In  1848 — 49  there  would  have  been  a  deficiency  of  $2165  00,  which  by  the 
donations  from  abroad  was  reduced  to  about  $165  00. 

In  1853 — 54  there  was  a  surplus  of  about  $2027  00,  which  would  have 
been  less  to  the  amount  of  $300  Oi,  but  for  a  yearly  donation  on  the 
part  of  the  heirs  of  the  late  Br.  Abraham  Bininger,  of  New- York,  which 
they  have  kindly  decided  upon  to  confer  upon  the  Sustentation  Diacony, 
although  from  the  terms  of  the  will  the  legacy  could  not  be  legally  car- 
ried out.  This  legacy  is  intended  for  the  exclusive  benefit  of  superan- 
nuated ministers. 

In  comparing  the  results  of  1848 — 49  with  those  of  1853 — 54,  it  must  be 
kept  in  mind,  that  in  1853 — 54  the  Sustentation  Diacony  had  an  access 
of  $1000  00  from  the  Bethlehem  Boarding  School,  which  they  had  not 
in  the  former  year,  reducing  the  actual  improvement  in  1853 — 54  over 
1848— 49  to  only  about  $4000  00  ;  but  it  must  also  be  stated,  that  the 
expenses  in  1848 — 49  were  below  the  average  amount,  as  during  part 
of  the  year  no  salary  was  paid  to  the  President,  the  Administrator  being 
President  at  interim. 

We  now  proceed  to  give  a  more  detailed  statement  of  the  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  during  the  financial  year  begin- 
ning June  1st,  1853,  and  ending  May  31st,  1854. 


104 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 


*  Receipts  : 

Interest  (deduct  Interest  paid,) 

Houserent, 

Contribution  for  Nazareth,  1170  00 

do  do  Litiz,  600  00 

do  do  Bethlehem 

Boarding  School,  1000  00 


Haga's  Legacy, 

From  Un.  Admi 

(annually,) 


Repairs, 
Taxes, 


597  00 


Sust.  to  superannuat.  ministers,  1172  00 
Deduct  Ab.  Bininger's  legacy,     300  00 


Salaries  of  two  mem.  of  P.E.C.  1000  00 
Other  Expenses  of  do  453  00 


Aid  to  ministers  (extra.) 
Removal  of  ministers, 
Contributions, 
Excess  of  Expenses  of  S.  S. 
and  Widows'  Houses, 
Copying, 


Educational  Expenses 
Gratuiti  in  Nazareth  Hall,  1508  00 


do  Beth.  Board. 

do  Litiz  Board. 

Theological  Seminary, 
Commutation  money, 


School,  300  00 

School,  320  00 

462  00 

120  00 


$4905  00 
877  00 


n.  Wachovia 

2770  00 
1200  00 

230  00 

Total  amount  of  receipts, 

ExFENDITURES  : 

$368  00 

$9982  00 

$965  00 


877  00 


1473 

00 

307 

00 

101 

00 

313 

00 

75 

00 

11 

00 

$4245 

00 

2710  00 


Total  of  Expenditures,  $6955  00 

Which,  when  deducted  from  the  receipts,  leaves  for  the  financial  year 
1853—54  a  surplus  of  $3028  00.  Out  of  this  surplus  $650  00  have 
been  divided  amongst  the  several  ministers  of  our  city  and  country  con- 
gregations, excepting  some  not  standing  in  need  of  it.  The  expenses 
for  the  Theological  Seminary  in  1853 — 54  were  uncommonly  small 
owing  to  their  being  no  students  in  that  institution  for  the  greater  part 
of  the  year. 

In  order  to  have  a  proper  and  full  knowledge  of  the  present  state  of  the  financial 
affairs  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony,  it  must  be  remembered,  that  our 
Boarding  Schools  in  Nazareth  Hall  and  Bethlehem  form  integral  parts  of 
i|s  property,  and  that  the  one  at  Litiz,  has  in  a  measure  since  the  begin- 
ning of  this  present  year  (1855)  also  been  transferred  from  Litiz  congre- 
gation to  Sustentation  Diacony.     To  make  a  proper  estimate  of  what 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  105 

hiight  be  the  actual  value  of  the  assets  of  these  institutions,  if  thrown 
upon  the  market  at  once,  extremely  difficult.  Of  Nazareth  Hall  we 
fondly  entertain  a  hope,  that  that  institution  will  by  the  mercy  of  the 
Lord  gradually  assume  a  better  aspect  than  it  has  had  some  years  ago; 
but  at  the  same  time  no  doubts  can  be  entertained,  but  that  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  any  actual  surplus  on  its  yearly  accounts  must  be  wholly 
appropriated  towards  the  improvement  of  its  own  affairs,  being  no  ad- 
ditional income  to  the  Sustentation  Diacony. 
Nazareth  Hall  was  on  January  1st,  1854, 

indebted  to  the  amount  of  $18710  90 

Bethlehem  Boarding  School  on  Jan.  1st,  1855,  30639  00 

Litiz  Boarding  School,  do  do  615  00 

Nazareth  Hall  may  be  expected  now  to  have  an 

annual  surplus  of  1000  00 

Bethl.  Board.  School  had  in  1854  a  surplus  of  7000  00 

Litiz  Board.  School  do      do  do  4480  od 

Bethlehem  Boarding  School  is  now  paying  over  annually  to  Sustentation 
Diacony  the  sum  of  $1000  00  and  can  hardly  be  expected  to  do  more 
for  the  present  owing  to  its  heavy  debts,  incurred  by  the  erection  of  the 
new  house. 
Litiz  Boarding  School  has  of  late  had  some  expensive  additional  improve- 
ments made,  which  at  least  for  the  current  year  may  absorb  part  of  its 
regular  surplus. 

III.  SUGGESTIONS  AS  TO  THE  FUTURE  MANAGEMENT 

OF  THE  FINANCIAL  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  SUSTENTATION    DlACONY    AND    TO    THE 
APPROPRIATIONS  TO  BE  MADE  OF  THE  INCOME  FROM  ITS  FUNDS. 

In  relation  to  the  probable  arrangement  of  the  income  and  expenditures 
of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  after  the  settlements  now  pending  with 
Nazareth  and  Litiz  shall  have  come  to  a  close,  and  the  funds  derived 
therefrom  been  realized,  your  committee  have  endeavored  to  make  the 
following  statements : 

A.     Income. 
Interest  from  Bethl.  fund  say  100,000  00 

estimate  at  five  per  cent  $'5000  00 

Interest  from  Nazareth  fund 

hereafter  say  50,000  00 

at  five  per  cent  2500  00 

Interest  from  Litiz  fund 

hereafter  say  10,000  00 

at  five  per  cent,  500  00 

Estimated  contribution  of 

Beth.  Board.  School,  1000  00 

Estimated  contribution  of 

Litiz  Boarding  School,  1000  00 

Estimated  contribution  of 

Nazareth  Hall  none. 
Estimated  receipts  from 

houserents,  900  00 

Haga's  legacy,  1200  00 

Annual  contribution  from 

Wachovia,  230  00 

1430  00 

Total  amount  of  estimated  annual  receipts,         $  12330  00 

14 


106  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOL' 

B.     Expenditures  as  Estimated  s 


Salaries  of  two  members  of 

P.  E.  C.  including  light 

and  fuel, 

$1300 

00 

Contingent  expenses  of  P.  E. 

C. ;  as  traveling,  stationery 

copying,  postage  &c, 

400 

00 

Sustentation  to  retired  minis- 

ters, widows  and  including 

an  increase  to  be  proposed 

of  %— but  deducting  #300 

from  Bininger's  legacy, 

1500 

00 

Aid  to  ministers  in  actual 

service  at  least, 

1700 

00 

Education, 

4000 

00 

Traveling  expenses  of  minis- 

isters,  removals,  contribu- 

tions &c, 

1000 

00 

Taxes, 

800 

00 

Repairs, 

400 

00 

Total  amount  of  estimated  annual  expenses 

11100  00 

Would  leave  a  surplus  of  say 

$1430  00 

m 

no  allowance  having  been  made  for  salary  of  the  Treasurer  nor  any  extraord- 
inary contingencies. 

This  estimate  is  based  upon  the  following  principles  : 

1.  To  increase  the  salaries  of  the   members  of  P.  E.  C.  from  $500  00  to 

$650  00  yearly,  but  not  to  furnish  light  and  fuel  by  Sustentation 
Diacony  ;  but  it  must  be  remembered,  that  the  whole  estimate  refers 
to  two  members  only  ;  should  there  be  three  members  hereafter  at  least 
§650  00  more  would  be  required  ;  neither  has  any  provision  been  made 
for  the  houserent  to  be  paid  for  a  third  member  of  P.  E.  C. 

2.  To  raise  the  amount  of  Sustentation  one  third  from  what  it  is  at  present. 

It  has  been  raised  since  1849  one  fourth,  for  widows  from  $50  00  to' 
$75  00;  for  married  couples  from  $160  00  to  #240  00;  and  would 
according  to  our  suggestion  hereafter  amount  for  widows  to  $100  00; 
for  married  couples  to  $320  00,  which  is  all  they  receive. 

3.  Educational  expenses,  taxes,  repairs,  are  estimated  according  to  an  aver- 

age of  former  years. 

4.  If  under  existing  circumstances  an   annual  contribution  of  say  $500  00 

towards  Home-mission  purposes  should  be  decided  upon,  nearly  all  the 
income  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony,  as  it  may  be  reasonably  expected 
hereafter,  but  is  not  yet,  since  the  Nazareth  and  Litiz  funds  cannot  yet 
be  made  available,  would  be  absorbed  by  the  outgoings — leaving  for 
extraordinary  contingencies  only  what  might  be  expected  from  our 
Boarding  Schools  beyond  the  estimate  actually  put  down. 
(Report  continued  in  Session  23d.) 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  that  the  Synod  hold  Sessions  on  Thurday  next 
(Ascension  day)  from  8 — 10  A.  M.  and  from  3 — 5  P  M. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  107 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  from  2  1-2  to  5  P.  M.  which  amendment  was 
accepted,    and  the  motion  agreed  to. 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  that  when  the  Synod  adjourn,  it  adjourn  to  8  A. 
M.  to-morrow.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  the  Synod  now  adjourn,  whieh  motion  was  lost. 

The  President  announced  that  the  first  resolution  of  the  "  Committee  on 
Church  Publications"  was  now  in  order,  for  further  consideration. 

Br.  Schweinitz,  read  the  first  resolution  as  follows  : 

"  Resolved,  that  a  Moravian  bookstore  and  publication  office  be  established, 
and  that  it  be  located  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia." 

Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  amendment,  viz : 

"  Strike  out  all  after  resolved,  and  insert ;  "  that  the  bookstore  of  the 
Church  now  located  at  Bethlehem  be  transferred  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia 
and  that  a  publication-office  be  opened  in  connection  therewith.     Agreed  ,to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Holland,  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion,  the  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing :  "  When  all  thy  mercies, 
oh  my  God,"  &c. 


NINETEENTH  SESSIO 


Wednesday,  May  $6th,  8  a.  m. — 39  members  present. 

Sung  :  "Lord  thy  body  ne'er  forsake"  &c. — Prayer  by  Br.  Barstow. 

Texts  of  the  day  read. — Minutes  of  yesterday's  Session  read,  amended  and 
adopted. 

Br.  Wunderling  moved  that  the  election  of  the  members  of  the  new  P.. 
E.  C.  be  held  Friday  next  in  the  afternoon. 

Br.  Rice  moved  to  amend  "  Friday  forenoon." 

The  motion  as  amended  was  carried. 

The  President  read  the  following  communication  to  the  Synod,  from  th« 
Brooklyn  congregation : 

Brooklyn,  May  Uth,  1855^^ 

To  the  Provincial  Synod  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  at  Bethlehem, 
Northampton  county,  Pa. 

Dear  Brethren  : 

We  send  you  all  this  salutation  of  our  love  and  affection,  praying  with  al» 
prayer,  that  your  deliberations  in  a  congregate  body  may  bring  forth 
fruits,  the  offspring  from  which,  coming  from  the  fountain  of  all  bless- 
ings, may  redound  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  our  divine  Master  and 
Redeemer,  and  the  spread  of  his  kingdom  on  earth.  As  members  of 
his  Church,  being  "  poor  in  worldly  goods,"  and  "  few  in  numbers," 
we  desire  that  you  will  grant  our  request,  if  we  are  found  consistent  in 
asking,  viz  :  That  you  will  aid  us  by  such  a  yearly  contribution  as  you 
in  your  good  pleasure  may  think  meet,  towards  defraying  the  salary  of 


108         JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

our  presiding  and  much  beloved  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Kummer,  pay- 
ing the  interest  on  a  debt  of  three  thousand  dollars  contracted  in  the 
erection  of  a  church  and  parsonage,  and  other  incidental  expenses,  (the 
ground  having  been  paid  for)  which  bears  quite  heavily  on  our  present 
number,  being  less  than  "  twenty  members,"  comprising  a  small  branch 
of  the  United  Brethren's  Church  of  the  city  of  New-York,  whose  resi- 
dence were  in  Brooklyn  when  the  location  of  the  church  was  changed. 
Should  our  request  be  granted,  we  trust  in  the  providence  of  God,  we 
might  ourselves  soon  be  enabled  to  render  to  others,  that  aid  which 
"  we"  now  ask. 

With  christian  love  and  esteem,  we  subscribe,  as  Trustees,  in  behalf  of 
the  Brooklyn  church, 

ROBT.  J.  PRINCE, 
EMILIUS  MARX, 
J.  S.  DAVENPORT, 
JOSEPH  ROWORTH, 
THOS.  R.  HARVEY. 
On  motion  of  Br.  Wunderling,  it  was  referred  to  the  "  Committee  on  Fi- 
nance." 

Br.  Tschudy,  on  leave,  rose  for  information  as  to  who  is  to  decide  on  the 
observance  of  choir-days  in  our  congregations,  when 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  reconsider  yesterday's  action  of  Synod  on  the  reso- 
lution in  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Internal  Arrangements",  viz 

"  Resolved,  that  the  different  congregations  be  allowed  by  this  Provincial 
Synod  to  decide  for  themselves  what  choir-meetings  shall  be  held  and 
what  choir-festivals  shall  be  observed." 

The  motion  to  reconsider  was  carried. 

Br.  Kampmann  then  offered  the  following  amendment : 

Strike  out  all  after  "  resolved",  and  insert  "  that  the  decision  as  to  the 
observance  of  choir-days  in  the  several  congregations,  belongs  solely  to  the 
minister  in  conjunction  with  the  Elders'  Conference,  or  "  Standing  Com- 
mittee of  the  respective  congregations." 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  President  announcing  that  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Church 
Publications"  was  now  in  order  for  further  consideration, 

On  motion  of  Br.  Perkin,  it  was  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  that  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Educa- 
tion" be  taken  up.     Agreed  to. 

The  report  was  read,  when  Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  to  take  up  the  reso- 
lutions seriatim.     Agreed  to. 

The  1st,  2d  and  3d  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted. 

The  4th  resolution,  was  on  motion  of  Br.  Bleck  laid  on  the  table  to  be 
taken  up  on  Friday  afternoon. 

The  5th  resolution  was  adopted  and  with  its  adoption  the  consideration 
of  the  1st  part  was  brought  to  a  close. 

The  1st  resolution  of  Part  II.  being  under  consideration  the  word  rtcom* 
mend  was  changed  to  favor,  after  which  Br.  Bachman  offered  the  following 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.         109 

amendment  to  be  appended  to  the  resolution  "  that  the  location  of  the  High 
School  be  opened  to  competition  on  the  part  of  other  congregations  in  Ohio." 
Agreed  to. 

The  1st  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  moved  to  amend  the  2d  resolution,  being  un- 
der consideration,  by  adding  "  but  nothing  contained  in  this  resolution  shall 
be  so  construed  as  to  require  any  salary  to  be  furnished  by  the  P.  E.  C.  un- 
der one  year  from  this  time."     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  refer  the  resolution  as  amended  back  to  the  "  Com- 
mittee on  Education." 

Pending  this  discussion  of  the  matter,  on  motion  the  Synod  adjourned  to 
2  P.  M.,  after  singing :  "3iatb  und  wentt  wit  trrc  gefyen,"  IK  f.  n>; 


TWENTIETH  SESSION. 

2  p.  m. — 45  members  present. 

Sung :  "7ld) !  gib  an  fcetnem  r" eftbaxen  JjpcU !"  it.  f.  w. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Bachman. 

The  Synod  proceeded  with  the  discussion  of  the  2d  resolution  of  Part  II « 
of  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Education." 

Pending  which  Br.  Bleck  withdrew  his   motion  made  in  the  morning 
Session,  and  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  offered  the  following  additional  resolutions  : 

"  3.  Resolved,  that  so  soon  as  the  school  shall  be  able  to  sus- 
tain itself,  the  P.  E.  C.  shall  no  longer  be  held  responsible 
for  the  salary  of  the  professor,  though  they  shall  still  con- 
tinue to  designate  him,  and  have  the  power  of  removal." 

"  4.  Resolved,  that  when  the  P.  E.  C.  shall  have  been  reimbursed 
for  whatever  outlays  they  shall  have  had,  thenceforth  the 
profits  of  the  school,  if  any  be  made,  shall  be  at  the  disposal 
of  the  Trustees  of  said  institution,  (whoever  they  may  be) 
and  be  appropriated  by  them  solely  to  the  education  of  young 
men  in  our  Theological  Seminary,  and  to  the  general  purpo- 
ses of  the  western  sustcntation-fund." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle  (Dover)  these  resolutions  were  adopted,  and  the 
consideration  of  Part  II.  of  the  report  was  brought  to  a  close. 

The  1st  resolution  of  Part  III.  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Bleck  called 
for  a  division  of  the  question,  and  the  resolution  as  divided  was  adopted. 

The  2d,  3d  and  4th  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  5th  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend 
by  inserting  after  experience  "  if  possible."     The  motion  was  lost. 


110  JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

The  original  resolution  was  adopted. 

The  6th  and  7th  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  8th  resolution  being  under  consideration,  on  motion  of  Br.  Goepp 
it  was  amended  so  as  to  read,  "  that  the  brother  from  the  South,  being  an 
advisory  member,  be  entitled  to  three  votes."  The  amendment  was  agreed 
to. 

The  question  was  next  taken,  on  the  number  three  and  was  carried  by 
a  vote  of  25  to  17. 

The  question  recurring  on  the  entire  resolution  as  amended,  it  was  carried 
by  a  vote  of  23  to  19. 

A  discussion  having  arisen  as  to  the  constitutionality  of  the  proceeding, 
on  motion  of  Br.  Clauder,  a  re-consideration  was  had  by  a  vote  of  22  to  18. 

Whereupon  Br.  Goepp  moved  to  strike  out  three  and  insert  one. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  amendment,  it  was  carried  by  a 
vote  of  24  to  20. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  then  adopted,  but  the  representative  of 
the  P.  H.  C.  of  Wachovia  declined  voting  at  all. 

The  question  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Beckler  moved  to  amend  by 
prefixing  to  the  originial, 

"  Resolved,  that  the  Professor  be  accountable  for  his  official  acts  to  the  P. 
E.  C."     Agreed  to. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  it  was  agreed  "  that  the  Synod  proceed  to-mor- 
row morning,  after  the  reading  of  the  minutes,  to  the  election  of  the  new 
Professor." 

Here  Br.  Schultz  having  raised  the  question  of  the  constitutionality  of 
holding  such  an  election  at  all, 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  re-consider  the  resolution  to  elect 
the  Professor. 

On  motion,  the  Synod  adjourned  to  to-morrow  8  A.  M.,  after  singing : — 
*'  Lord  thy  body  ne'er  forsake"  &c. 


TWENTY-FIRST  SESSION. 

Thursday,  May  17,  8  A.  M. — 47  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Head  of  thy  Church  behold  us  here"  &c. — Prayer  by  Br.  Wolle 
(Dover.) 

Texts  of  the  day  read. — Minutes  of  yesterday's  session,  read,  amended 
and  approved. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  a  re-consideration  of  the  vote  on  the  7th  resolution  of 
Part  III.  of  the  report  of  the  M  Committee  on  Education." 

The  motion  was  lost  by  a  vote  of  28  to  14. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  Ill 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  the  Synod  forthwith  proceed  to  the  election  of  the 
Professor  of  the  Theological  Seminary. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  a  postponement  to  the  afternoon,  but  withdrew, 
on  which  Bf.  Gbepp's  motion  was  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Luckenbach,  the  brethren  Bleck  and  Tschudy  were  ap- 
pointed tellers  of  the  election. 

Whereupon  the  Synod  proceeded  to  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  was  found  that  44  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which  Br.  Shultz  received  26,  Br.  Schweinitz  5,  Br.  Bachman  3,  the  breth- 
ren Reinke  (Litiz)  Levin  Reichel  (Salem)  Kampmann  and  Jacobson  each  1. 

Br.  Schultz  was  accordingly  declared  to  be  duly  elected. 

On  motion  of  *Br.  Luckenbach,  the  Synod  declared  Br.  Schultz  unani- 
mously elected. 

.  Br.  Wolle  (Bethl,)  offered  the  following  proposition  for  the  acceptance  of 
the  Synod. 

"  That  the  P*  E.  C.  stands  in  the  same  relation  to  the  Provincial  Synod,  as 
the  U.  E.  C.  stands  to  the  General  Synod;  therefore,  inasmuch  as'all 
the  powers  and  functions  of  the  U.  E.  C.  cease  with  the  assembling  to- 
gether of  the  General  Synod,  and  thenceforward  vest  in  the  Synod,  so 
in  our  opinion,  all  powers  and  functions  of  the  P.  E.  C.  of  right,  vest  in 
the  Provincial  Synod,  from  the  moment  of  its  organization,  and  that 
the  action  of  the  General  Synod,  in  approving  our  present  constitution 
confirms  this  construction  of  the  powers  of  this  Synod/' 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  these  propositions  be  laid  on  the  table,  and  that 
the  Synod  take  up  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and 
Church  Government."     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  consider  the  first  section.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  strike  out  all  after  province.  Agreed 
to. 

The  first  section  was  adopted  in  the  following  words : 

"  The  government  of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren  in  the  Northern 
Province~of  the  United  States  of  America  shall  be  vested  in  the  Synod 
of  said  Province." 

The  second  section  being  under  consideration,  on  motion  of  Br.  Goepp  a 
division  was  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp  the  first  division  "  there  shall  be  elected  by  the 
Provincial  Synod,  an  "  Executive  Committee,"  was  unanimously  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  second  division,  "  to  consist  of  two  mem- 
bers" was  taken  up  for  consideration. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  strike  out  "  two"  and  insert  "  three." 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  asked  for  a  division. 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to  amend  by  adding  the  words  "  of  which  tjie 
Administrator  shall  not  be  one  ex-officio. 

Here  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  by  consent  of  the  Synod,  submitted  the 
following  in  lieu  of  the  second  section  : 


112         JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

"  Each  Provincial  Synod  shall  elect  an  "  Executive  Committee"  to  be  called 
the  P.  E.  C.  to  consist  of  such  number  of  members,  as  the  Provincial 
Synod  may  from  time  to  time  determine,  who  shall  be  chosen  from  the 
ordained  ministers  of  the  Church,  and  be  accountable  to  the  Provincial 
Synods  for  their  acts." 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend,  "  In  case  there  is  to  be  a  P.  E.  C.  as  a  stand- 
ing body,  the  same  shall  be  accountable  to  our  Provincial  Synods  only." 

On  motion,  the  Synod  adjourned  to  2  1-^2  P.  M.,  after  singing  :  "  Let  me 
above  all  fulfill"  &c. 


TWENTY-SECOND  SESSION. 
2  1-2  p.  M. members  present.  * 

Sung :  "  Jfpcrr  3cfu  fttytt  mid)"  it.  f.  W.— Prayer  by  Br.  Troeger. 

Br.  Perkin  called  for  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  "  Committee 
on  Church  Publications." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Rice,  it  was  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

Whereupon  the  Synod  proceeded  to  a  further  consideration  of  second 
section  of  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church 
Government." 

Br.  Goepp  withdrew  his  amendment  to  Br.  Blickensderfer's  (Sharon) 
proposition,  now  before  the  Synod,  when  Brt  Luckenbach  offered  the  fol- 
lowing amendment : 

"  Provided  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  construed,  that  the  Ad- 
ministrator of  the  Unity  shall  be  ex-officio,  a  member  of  such  commit- 
tee. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  amendment,  it  was  carried. 

Br.Goepp  moved  to  amend  Br.  Blickensderfer's  (Sharon)  proposition  by  sub- 
stituting "  to  be  as  to  all  local  matters  accountable  only  to  the  Provincial 
Synod."     Accepted  by  the  mover. 

Br.  Goepp  next  offered  the  following  amendment :  insert  after  called,  "  for 
the  present." 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  this  amendment,  it  was  lost; 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  original  proposition  as  amend" 
ed  viz : 

"  Each  Provincial  Synod  shall  elect  an  "Executive  Committee  to  be  called 
the  P.  E.  C.  to  consist  of  such  number  of  members,  as  the  Provincial 
Synod  may  from  time  to  time  determine  ;  who  shall  be  chosen  from 
the  ordained  ministers  of  the  church ;  and  be  as  to  all  local  matters 
accountable  only  to  the  Provincial  Synod  ;  provided,  that  nothing  here- 
in contained  shall  be  so  construed,  that  the  Administrator  of  the  Unity 
shall  be  ex-officio  a  "  member  of  such  committee,"  it  was  adopted. 

Br.  Rice  moved  that  three  be  the  number  of  the  new  "  Executive  Commit- 
tee," but  on  leave  withdrew  his  motion. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  the  third  section  was  taken  up 
for  consideration. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  113 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  this  section,  by  substituting; 
d  Each  Provincial  Synod  shall  fix  the  time  and  place  for  the  meeting  of  the 
next  Synod  ;  but  in  cases  of  emergency,  the  P.  E.  C.  may  convene  a 
Provincial  Synod  at  an  earlier  day.  Each  Synod  shall,  when  convened, 
be  opened  by  the  President  of  the  P.  E-  C,  but  shall  organize  by  elect- 
ing its  own  President  and  other  officers." 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to,  and  the  section  as  amended  adopted. 

The  fourth  section  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Kampmann  suggested 
to  add  at  the  close  of  paragraph  dy  "  of  the  Unity,"  which  Was  agreed  to,  and 
the  section  was  adopted. 

The  fifth  section  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Kampmann  moved  the 
following  amendment :  strike  out,  "  in  Europe,"  and  insert  "  of  the  Unity." 
The  section  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  sixth  section  being  under  consideration  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon) 
moved  to  amend  by  adding  "*"  to  the  words  Synod. 

The  section  as  amended,  was  adopted. 

The  seventh  section  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to 
amend  by  striking  out  "  during  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Synod,"  and  in- 
serting "  in  the  interval  between  two  Provincial  Synods."     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  the  whole 
section  and  inserting  the  following : 

"  Vacancies  which  may  occur  in  the  P.  E.  C.  in  the  interval  between  the 
Provincial  Synods,  shall  be  filled  in  such  a  manner  as  the  Provincial 
Synods  may  from  time  to  time  direct." 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to,  and  the  section  as  amended,  was  adopt- 
ed. 

The  eighth  section  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sha- 
ron) moved  to  amend,  by  striking  out  the  whole  section,  and  inserting  the 
following  : 

"  The  Provincial  Synods  shall  have  power  to  determine  from  time  to  time 
the  number  of  delegates  each  congregation  shall  be  entitled  to  send  to 
such  Synods,  and  the  manner  of  their  election." 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to,  and  the  section  as  amended,  was  adopted. 

The  resolution  at  the  close  of  the  report,  being  now  under  consideration, 
Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  as  follows  : 

"Strike  out  the  word  "  nevertheless,"  after  desire,  insert  "  of  this  Synod"  » 
strike  out  the  remainder  of  the  resolution,  and  insert  "  that  a  connection 
with  the  church  in  Europe  shall  exist  between  us  in  the  relation  of  brother 
to  brother,  without  any  controlling  influence  on  either  side  over  the  other 
in  local  matters." 

Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  amendment  to  the  amendment: 

"  Strike  out  all  after  "  of  this  Synod"  ahd  insert,  "  to  remain  in  the  closest 
connection  with  the  Brethren's  Unity  in  Europe  and  elsewhere  in  spiritual 
matters,  as  well  as  in  the  general  Missionary  enterprise  ;  but  as  regards  local 
matters  we  claim  entire  freedom  from  any  controlling  influence  from  abroad." 

This  amendment  was  agreed  to   and  the  resolution,  amended  to  read  as 
follows,  was  adopted : 
15 


114         JOURNAL  Oi'  THE  PROVINCIAL  8YNOD. 

u  Resolved,  that  in  asking  for  the  foregoing  modifications  of  the  constitution? 
it  is  the  desire  of  this  Synod  to  remain  in  the  closest  connection  with 
the  Brethren's  Unity  in  Europe   and  elsewhere  in  spiritual  matters  as 
well  as  in  the  general  Missionary  enterprise  ;  but  as  regards  local  mat- 
ters we  claim    entire    freedom    from    any  controlling    influence   from 
abroad." 
Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  the  Synod  adjourn  to  this  evening  7  £  o'clock, 
but  withdrew  his  motion  at  the  request  of  Br.  Rice,  who  oflered  the  follow- 
ing resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  to  be  elected  to-morrow,  consist  of  three  mem- 
bers." 
Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  amendment : 
"Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  consist  of  three  members,  and  that  in  the  elec- 
tion of  the  said  body,  the  votes  shall  be  cast  for  two  members,  to  con- 
stitute the  P.  E.  C.  in   connection   with   the  Administrator  in  case  the 
U.  E.  C.  do  not  approve   the  action  of  this  Provincial  Synod,  with  re- 
spect to  the  organisation   of  the  P.  E.  C  ;  and  that  the   third   member 
be  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  in  case  the  Administrator  is  no  more  ex- 
officio  a  member  of  the  P.  E.  C. 
The   amendment   was   accepted,   and    the    resolution    as   amended    was 
adopted. 

Br.  Kampmann   moved  that  the  election  of  the  new  P.  E.  C.  to-morrow, 
be  held  with  closed  doors. 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to  strikeout  "closed"  and  insert  "  open"  which 
Was  agreed  to,  and  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On   motion  the   Synod  adjourned  to  8   A.  M.  to-morrow,  after  singing  i 
"  Zion,  where  God  records  his  name"  &c. 


TWENTY-THIRD  SESSION. 

Friday,  May  18th,  8  A.  M. — 53  members  present. 

Sung:  "Christ  is  the  Church's  Lord  and  Head,"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Reinke  (Litiz.) — Texts  of  the  day  read. 

Minutes  of  yesterday's  session  read,  amended  and  ad6pted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  the  preamble  and  enacting 
clause  of  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church  Govern- 
ment" were  taken  up  for  consideration  and  adopted. 

Br.  Rice  moved  to  take  up  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Finance"  for 
further  consideration. 

Br.  Goepp  read  the  remainder  of  the 

REPORT  OF  THE  "  COMMITTEE  ON  FINANCE:" 

(Centinued  from  page  106.) 
5.  The  income  from  the  several  Trust- funds  has  been  put  down  only  at  the 
rate  of  five  per  cent,  the  Bethlehem  fund  being  for  the  time  actually 
invested  with  Un.  Administration  at  that  rate  of  interest  only.  The 
Administration  being  desirious  of  paying  off  this  debt  gradually  but  as 
soon  as  can  be  done  without  injury  to  the  interests  of  the  Administra- 
tion, and   the  Sustcntation  Diacony  being  likely  to  gain  by  a  different 


JOURNAL  OF  TTIE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  116 

snanner  of  investing  its  funds,  it  would  appear  desirable  to  have  that 
change  carried  out.  At  the  same  time  it  must  not  be  overlooked,  that 
the  Sustentation  Diacony  is  under  the  present  arrangement  free  from 
all  risk,  and,  that  should  this  change  take  place  it  will  necessarily  fol- 
low, that  the  office  of  Treasurer  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  be  separa- 
ted from  the  office  of  President  of  P.  E.  C,  with  which  it  is  at  present 
combined. 

IV.  Resolutions. 
Your  committee  concludes  by  recommending  to  the  Synod  the  following 
resolutions  for  its  adoption : 

1.  That  the  office  of  Treasurer  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  be  separated 

from  the  office  of  President  of  the  P.  E.  C. 

2.  That  the  funds  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony,  including  those  held  in  trust, 

be  invested  in  such  a  manner  as  to  bear  a  higher  rate  of  interest  than 
five  per  cent,  but  that  no  other  but  perfectly  safe  investments  be  made. 

3.  That  new  account  books  of  the   Sustentation  Diacony  be  opened  forth- 

with, beginning  from  June  1st  1851,  wherein  the  Trust-funds  be  enter- 
ed under  their  proper  heads,  showing  from  whence  they  were  derived, 
and  for  what  purposes  held,  also  showing  in  the  case  of  the  Bethlehem 
fund  the  whole  amount  received  and  what  amount  therefrom  has  been 
deducted  according  to  agreement. 

4.  That  the  salaries  of  the  members  of  the  P.  E.  C.  be  increased  from  $500 

$650  per  annum,  but  that  from  the  first  of  June  next  no  allowance  be 
made  for  expenses  incurred  for  light  and  fuel. 

5.  That  the  amount  of  Sustentation  paid  heretofore  to  superannuated  min- 

isters and  their  widows,  be  increased  one  third  of  its  present  rate,  viz  : 
for  a  married  couple  from  $240  to  $320  ;  for  widows  and  single  sisters 
from  $75  to  $100. 

5.  That  the  P.  E.  C.  shall  have  liberty  to  appropriate  the  $300,  derived 
from  the  late  Br.  Binninger's  legacy  for  special  wants  of  superannuated 
ministers  or  their  widows,  to  be  appropriated  over  and  above  the  regu- 
larly fixed  sustentation  in  cases  of  actual  and  apparent  necessity. 

7.  That  the  extra  aid  hitherto  afforded  to  ministers  in  actual  service,  which 

has  been  taken  out  of  the  surplus  of  the  next  preceding  year,  be  con- 
tinued, but  that  the  same  be  distributed  by  the  P.  E.  C.  amongst  the 
respective  ministers  according  to  their  actual  wants  and  with  due  re- 
gard to  the  local  circumstances  in  their  respective  congregations,  and 
that  the  same  do  not  in  the  aggregate  exceed  the  sum  of  $1700  00  an- 
nually, until  otherwise  decided  upon  by  a  Synod  of  this  province. 

8.  That,  whereas  it  is  undoubtedly  the  duty  of  every  congregation  to  pro- 

vide for  the  wants  of  their  ministers  so  for  as  lies  in  their  power,  there- 
fore it  is  earnestly  enjoined  by  this  Synod  upon  the  several  congrega- 
tions through  their  respective  delegates,  that  renewed  efforts  be  made 
to  accomplish  that  desirable  qbject,  and  that  only  in  such  cases,  when 
P.  E.  C.  shall  be  fully  satisfied  of  a  congregation  having  done  that 
duty,  relief  shall  be  granted  to  such  an  extent,  as  to  insure  to  the  min- 
ister the   necessary  comforts  of  life. 

9.  That  whereas  the  "  Committee  on  Finance"  have  carefully  prepared  a 

schedule  of  appropriations,  to  be  distributed  among  the  several  minis- 
ters of  our  congregations,  wherein  they  have    had    proper  regard   to 
the  leveral  applications  made  to  the  Synod  and  referred  to  that  committee. 


116  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

this  schedule  shall  by  the  committee  be  placed  into  the  hands  of  the  P. 
E.  C,  when  elected,  for  their  due  consideration. 

10.  That  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  be  appropriated  out  of  the  annual 

income  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  for  Home-Mission  purposes,  provi- 
ded the  expenses  of  the  Sustentation  Diacony  be  not  otherwise  increased 
in  behalf  of  the  Home-Missions  by  any  arrangements  made  by  this 
present  Synod. 

11.  That  all  resolutions  herewith  submitted,  referring  tp  appropriations  to 

be  made,  be  carried  out  forthwith,  if  possible. 

12.  That  this  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Finance"  be  substituted  in  place 

of  chapter  V.  of  the  Synodal  results  of  1847. 
All  of  this  is  respectfully  submitted  to  your  body  by  the  "  Committee  on 
Finance." 

JACOB  RICE, 
P.  H.  GOEPP, 
FRANCIS  JORDAN, 
JACOB  B.  TSCHUDY. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  report  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  that  Synod  proceed  to  the  election  of  the  members  of 
the  new  P.  E.  C.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Lennert  moved  that  if  a  former  member  of  the  P.  E.  C.  be  re-elected, 
the  lot  be  used. 

The  motion  was  carried  by  a  vote  of  27  to  20. 

Br.  Tschudy  rose  to  request  the  Br.  who  had  yesterday  been  unanimously 
elected  Professor  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  to  inform  the  Synod  of  his 
determination  to  accept  that  office,  whereupon  Br.  Schultz  arose  and  respect- 
fully declined  the  Professorship  voted  him  by  the  Synod  in  yesterday  morn- 
ing's session. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  the  Synod  accepted  his  resignation. 

On  motion  of  Br."  Beckler,  the  brethren  Tschudy  and  Bleck  were  appoint- 
ed tellers  of  the  election. 

Whereupon  the  Synod  proceeded  to  ballot  for  the  first  member  of  the 
new  P.  E.  C. 

On  counting  the  vote  it  appeared  that  fifty-three  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Jacobson  received  12  votes,     Br.  Eberman  (Nazareth)  6  votes. 
"    Frueauff  (Litiz)     10     "  "    Reinke  (Litiz)  4      " 

"    Bigier,  10     "  "    Clauder,  1      " 

"    Wolle  (Dover)         8     "  "    Schultz,  1      " 

"  "    Bachman,  1      " 

No  brother  having  received  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  elec- 
tion, and  the  Synod  proceeded  to  a  second  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote  it  appeared  that  fifty-three  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Jacobson  received  15  votes.  Br.  Eberman  (Naz.)  3  votes. 

"  Bigler,  13      "  "    Seidel,  1      " 

"  Frueauff  (Litiz)     13      "  "    Bachman,  1      " 

f«  Wolle  (Dover)         7      ¥ 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  117 

No  bsother  having  received  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  elec- 
tion, and  the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  third  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  fifty-three  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Bigler  received  18  votes*  Br.  Wolle  (Dover)  4  votes. 

"   Jacobson,  15      "  "   Seidel,  1      " 

"  Frueauff  (Lit.)  15      " 

No  brother  having  a  majority  ot  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  fourth  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  fifty-three  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Bigler  received  26  votes.  Br.  Wolle  (Dover)  4  votes. 

"  Jacobson,  11     "  "  Seidel,  1      " 

"   Frueauff  (Lit.)  11     " 

No  brother  having  received  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  elec- 
tion and  the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  fifth  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  fifty-three  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Bigler  received  26  votes.  Br.  Wolle  (Dover)  5  votes. 

«    Jacobson  12    .«  "    Seidel  1     " 

"    Frueauff  (Litiz)   9    " 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  sixth  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote  it  appeared  that  fifty-one  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Bigler  received  26  votes.  Br.  Wolle  received  4  votes. 

"   Jacobson,  12      «  "    Seidel,  1     " 

"   Frueauff  (Litiz)   7      "  "   Reinke  (Litiz)     1     « 

Br.  Bigler  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  was  declared  to  be  duly 
elected. 

Whereupon,  after  some  conversation  regarding  the  manner  of  using  the 
lot,  it  was  agreed  that  it  should  be  drawn  by  the  Secretary,  and  announced 
by  Br.  Seidel  and  the  President. 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  the  Synod  take  a  recess  of  fifteen  minutes, 
and  then  open  with  singing  and  prayer.     Agreed  to. 

On  assembling,  after  singing  "  From  thy  majestic  throne,"  &c.  and  pray- 
er by  Br  Jacobson,  the  lot  was  drawn  and  the  election  negatived  by  the 
same. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  the  seventh  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  fifty-one  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Frueauff  (Lit.)  rec'd  22  votes.  Br.  Bigler   rec'd  1  vote. 

"   Jacobson,  14     "  "    Hagen,  1      " 

"   Wolle  (Dover)  8     «  "    Seidel,  1      " 

"  Eberman  (Naz.)  3     "  "    Reinke  (Litiz)  1      " 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  eighth  ballot. 


118  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  fifty  votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 

Br.  FrueaufT  (Lit)  rec'd  25  votes.  Br.  Seidel,  received  1  vote. 

"   Jacobson,  15     "  "    Reinke  (Litiz)    1     " 

"    Wolle  (Dover)  8     " 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  ninth  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote  it  appeared  that  forty-nine  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  FrueaufT  (Lit)  rec'd  26  votes.  Br.  Seidel  received  1  vote. 

"  Jacobson,  13     "  "  Reinke  (Litiz)   1     " 

"    Wolle  (Dover)  8     " 

Br.  FrueaufT  (Litiz)  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  was  declared  duly 
elected. 

After  singing  "  Be  present  with  thy  servant  Lord"  &c.  and  prayer  by  Br. 
Jacobson,  the  lot  was  drawn,  and  the  election  negatived  by  the  same. 

The  Synod  united  in  singing  "  Oh  !  teach  us  all  thy  perfect  will,"  and 
then  proceeded  to  the  tenth  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote   it  appeared  that  forty-six    votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  Jacobson  received  15  votes.        Br.  Reichel  (Salem)       2  votes. 
"   Wolle  (Dover)        15      "  "   Reinke  (Litiz)  1      " 

"  Eberman,  (Naz.)     12      "  "    Seidel,  1      " 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  eleventh  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  forty-eight  votes  had   been  cast> 
of  which 

Br.  Wolle  (Dover)  rec'd  19  votes.  Br.  L  Reichel  rec'd  2  votes. 

"    Jacobson  15     "  "     Bahnson  1     " 

"    Eberman  (Nazareth)    9     "  "     Reinke  (Litiz)    1     " 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  there  was  no  election,  and 
Synod  proceeded  to  the  twelfth  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  48  votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 

Br.  Wolle  Dover)  rec'd  29  votes.         Br.  Eberman  (Naz.)  5  votes. 
"    Jacobson  13     "  "    Reinke  (Litiz)       1     " 

Br.  Wolle  (Dover)  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  was  declared  to  be 
tluly  elected. 

After  singing  :  "  Where  two  or  three  with  sweet  accord,"  and  prayer  by 
Br.  Jacobson,  the  lot  was  drawn,  and  the  election  affirmed  by  the  same. 

After  singing  :  «  2>cttt  2JrrMcn|l  Uttfc  Ucbc  Dta(;t,"  It.  f.tt.,  Synod  adjourned. 


Journal  of  the  provincial  synod.  11$ 

TWENTY-FOURTH  SESSION. 
•         2  r.  M.  —  47  members  present. 

Sung :  "  Lord,  thy  body  ne'er  forsake."  &c. — Prayer  by  Br.  Eberman  (Naz  ) 

Synod  proceeded  to  the  13th  ballot,  the  first  for  a  second  member  of  the 
new  P.  E.  C. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  52  votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 

Br.  Jacobson  received  21,  Br.   F.  Holland  1, 

"     Eberman  (Naz.)      15,  "     Reinke  (Litiz)  1, 

"     L.  Reichel  (Salem)    6,  "     Clauder  1, 

"     Wolle  (Bethl.)  2,  "     Kampmann  1, 

"     Bahnson  2,  "     Seidel  1. 

"     Lennert  1. 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  there  was  no  election,  and 
Synod  proceeded  to  the  14th  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  52  votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 

Br.  Jacobson  received  20,  Br.  Lennert  2, 

"     Eberman  (Naz.)     15,  "    Reinke  (Litiz)  1, 

"     L.  Reichel  (Salem)  7,  •'    Seidel  1, 

"     Wolle  (Bethl.)         2,  "    Kampmann  1, 

"     Bahnson  2,  «•    Clauder  1. 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
Synod  proceeded  to  the  15th  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  52  votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 

Br.  Jacobson  received  22,  Br.  Reinke  (Litiz)  2, 

"    Eberman  (Naz.)     16,                           "     Lennert  1, 

"    L.  Reichel  (Salem)  5,                           "     Seidel  U 

"    Wolle  (Bethl.)          2,                           "    blank  1. 
"    Bahnson                    2, 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
Synod  proceeded  to  the  16th  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote  it  appeared  that  52  votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 

Br.  Jacobson  received  27,  Br.Lennert  1, 

"    Eberman  (>az.)     15,  "    Kampmann  1, 

11    Reinke  (Litiz)          2,  "    Seidel  1, 

"    Wolle  (Bethl.)         2,  "    blank  1. 
"    Bahnson                    2, 

Br.  Jacobson  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  was  declared  to  be  duly 
elected. 

After  singing  "  Our  souls  with  inmost  awe"  &c,  and  prayer  by  Br.  Jacob- 
son,  the  lot  was  drawn,  and  the  election  affirmed  by  the  same. 

Synod  united  in  singing:  "fld)  I  frcineS  ©nat'cn^dtflcltdjtca  exhumer,"  JC. 
and  then  proceeded  to  the  17th  ballot,  the  first  for  a  third  member  of  the  new 
P.  E.  C. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  fifty-two  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 


120  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 


Br.  Goepp  received 

31, 

Br.  Schweinitz 

1 

"    Eberman  (Naz) 

10, 

"  Bahnson 

1 

"    FrueaufT  (Litiz) 

2, 

"  Beckler 

1, 

"    Kampmann 

1, 

"  blank 

4. 

"    Reichel  (Salem) 

1, 

« 

Br.  Goepp  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  was  declared  to  be  duly 
elected. 

After  singing  "  Lord,  thy  Church's  rock,"  &c,  and  prayer  by  Br.  Jacob- 
son,  the  lot  was  drawn  and  the  election  affirmed  by  the  same. 

The  Synod  joined  in  singing,   "  @cgnc,  fcgnc  ung  cuiS  frcicm  £rict»  "  2C. 

These  solemn  transactions  were  closed  by  singing,  "  Dcr  Jjcvv  iff  ncct) 
lint  nimmcr  nicfyt,"  tl.  |.  re.  whereupon  the  Synod  took  a  recess  of  ten  min- 
utes. 

On  resuming  business  the  President  stated  that  the  fourth  resolution  of 
Part  I.  of  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Education"  had  been  postponed 
to  this  afternoon. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  it  was  taken  up  for  consideration. 

Br.  Eberman  (Naz.)  gave  a  verbal  statement  of  proposals  made  by  the 
Nazareth  congregation  in  reference  to  the  exchange  of  the  Nazareth  Sisters' 
House  for  the  Ephrata  property,  alluded  to  in  the  resolution  now  under  con- 
sideration. 

It  was  agreed  that  the  offer,  when  reduced  to  writing,  be  entered  on  the 
journal. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  resolution  now  before  the  Synod  was  divi- 
ded. 

The  first  division — that  part  of  the  resolution  relating  to  location — was> 
after  some  discussion,  adopted. 

The  second  division — that  part  of  the  resolution  relating  to  incorporation 
— was  on  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  laid  on  the  table  for  further  consideration. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bigler,  the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  Theo- 
logical Professor,  and  the  brethren  Tschudy  and  Bleck  were  appointed  tellers 
of  said  election. 

After  the  nominations  had  been  closed  the  Synod  proceeded  to  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  forty-seven  votes  had  been  cast, 
of  which 

Br.  Schweinitz  received  17,  Br.  Bahnson  6, 

"    Schweinitz  (Salem)  1 7,  "   Grunert  (Bethabara)    5, 

"    Hagen  6, 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  second  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  forty-eight  votes  had  been  cast, 
of  which 

Br.  E.  Schweinitz  ree'd  19,  Br.  Grunert  (Bethab.)    6, 

"    R.  Schweinitz  17,  "   Hagen  6, 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  third  ballot. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  121 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  forty-nine  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  R.  Schweinitz  rec'd  23,  Br.  Grunert   (Bethania)    4, 

11   E.  Schweinitz  21,  blank  1. 

No  brother  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  there  was  no  election,  and 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  fourth  ballot. 

On  counting  the  vote,  it  appeared  that  forty-nine  votes  had  been  cast,  of 
which 

Br.  R.  Schweinitz  rec'd  33,  Br.  E.  Schweinitz  16. 

Br.  Robert  Schweinitz  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  was  declared  to 

be"  duly  elected. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Luckenbach,  the  Synod  declared  Br.  Robert  Schweinitz 
unanimously  elected. 

Br.  Wolle  (Beth.)  moved  that  the  P.  H.  C.  of  Wachovia  be  most  respect- 
fully requested  to  sanction  this  call.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Shultz  asked  leave  to  communicate  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on 
Home-Missions." 

Leave  was  granted,  when  at  the  request  of  Br.  Kampmann,  he  withdrew, 
and  Br.  Eberman  (Naz.)  submitted  the  following  proposals  from  the  *'  Com* 
mittee  of  the  Nazareth  Congregation"  : 

Nazareth  Warden's  Coelege  Proposal*. 

In  order  to  facilitate  the  location  of  a  college  in  this  province  of  the  United 
Brethren's  Church,  and  in  accordance  with  the  propositions  of  a  com- 
mittee appointed  by  this  Synod  to  locate  the  same  at  Nazareth,  uniting 
therewith  the  Theological  Seminary  which  is  now  located  at  that  place. 

The  committee  of  Nazareth  met  on  the  17th  inst.  to  take  such  steps  as  may 
be  necessary  for  such  purpose,  and  therefore  make  the  following  offer 
to  this  Synod,  viz: 

1.  To  give  in  exchange  for  the  Sisters'  house  together  with  all  the  out-hou- 

ses, belonging  at  present  to  the  Sustentation  Diacony,  purchased  at  a 
cost  of  .$1500  00,  the  whole  of  the  Ephrata-house  with  two  other  dwell- 
ings and  out-houses,  together  with  four  acres  of  land,  with  a  guarantee 
from  all  incumbrances. 

2.  The  committee  not  knowing  at  the  present  time,  the  means  which  may 

become  available  to  them,  after  a  settlement  has  been  made  of  the  Naza- 
reth Congregation  Diacony's  property,  they  could  not  take  upon  them- 
selves to  do  any  thing  more  now,  but  declared  to  be  willing  when 
the  proper  time  comes  for  action,  to  contribute  pro  rata  with  other 
congregations  of  the  Brethren's  Church  according  to  their  means. 

W.  EBERMAN, 

President  of  the  Committee. 

Br.  Rice  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved,  that  this  Synod  recommend  to  the  P.  K.  C.  the  ac- 
ceptance of  the  proposals  from  the  Nazareth  congregation,  in 
16 


122  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

relation  to  an  exchange  of  the  Nazareth  Sisters'  House  for 
the  Ephrata  property/'     Adopted. 

On  motion  the  Synod  adjourned,  after  singing,  "  Now  let  us  praise  the 
Lord"  Ac. 


TWENTY-FIFTH  SESSION. 
Saturday,  May  19th,  8  A.  M. — 42  members  present. 

Sung :  "  Oh  !  could  we  but  love  that  Savior"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Hagen. — Texts  of  the  day  read. 

Minutes  of  yesterday's  session  read,  amended  and  approved. 

The  President  proceeded  to  call  on  committees  to  report,  when  Br.  Bigler 
reported  as  follows  from  the  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church 
Government." 

Report  of  the  Committee  on  "  Constitution    and    Chubch  Govern- 
ment." 

The  "  Committee  on  Constitution  and  Church  Government,"  to  whom  was 
referred  the  following  preamble  and  resolution,  beg  leave  to  report : 

Whereas  it  has  happened  at  times  heretofore,  and  may  likely  so  happen  from 
time  to  time,  that  it  may  become  the  painful  duty  of  certain  congrega- 
tions of  our  beloved  church,  that  they  may  have  to  adopt  rather  extreme 
measures  in  order  to  have  a  change  of  ministry,  which  is  at  all  times,  to 
say  the  least,  a  very  painful  duty  to  perform,  both  to  those  who  enter 
complaint,  as  likewise  to  those  brethren  against  whom  such  is  made,  I 
would  therefore  offer  the  following  suggestion  : 

"  Be  it  resolved,  that  hereafter,  no  one  of  our  reverend  officiating  brethren 
shall  serve  for  a  longer  term  than  six  years  at  one  and  the  same  station  or 
congregation,  unless  the  congregation  over  which  he  presides  shall  de- 
sire to  have  him  again  re-instated." 

The  above  resolution  proposes  to  establish  a  rule  to  regulate  the  term  of 
service  of  our  ministering  brethren  in  their  respective  congregations,  and 
its  object  is  to  afford  a  remedy  to  such  congregations  as  are  dissatisfied 
with  their  pastor.  The  principle  of  the  rule  proposed  has  never  been 
recognised  in  our  church,  and  the  committee  do  not  feel  free  to  recom- 
mend its  adoption  at  this  time.  The  frequency  with  which  changes  of 
ministers  have,  in  many  cases,  been  made,  has  been  a  source  of  serious 
regret,  and  oftener  the  subject  of  complaint,  than  that  alluded  to  in  the 
above  resolution.  Besides,  when  difficulties  or  dissatisfaction  arise  be- 
tween the  minister  and  his  congregation,  they  can  appeal  for  redress 
directly  to  the  P.  E.  C. 

For  these  reasons  the  committee  deem  it  inexpedient,  to  recommend  the 
adoption  of  the  rules  proposed. 

D.  BIGLER, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee. 

*f  Resolved,  that  the  committee  be  discharged  from  further  consideration  of 
the  subject." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  123 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  the  report  and  resolution  of  discharge  at- 
tached, were  adopted. 

Br.  Eberman  reported  a6  follows,  from  the  "  Committee  on  the  use  of  the 
Lot." 

Report  of  the  "  Committee  on  the  use  of  the  Lot." 

The  "  Committee  on  the  use  of  the  Lot,"  beg  leave  to  report  the  following, 
as  a  change  to  be  adopted  instead  of  that  part  of  Chapter  VII.  of  the 
Synodal  results  of  1847,  in  regard  to  "  the  use  of  the  lot." 

The  use  of  the  lot  is  not  founded  on  any  express  command  in  the  Scriptures 
of  the  new  Testament.  The  only  instance  we  have  in  that  part  of  the 
Scriptures,  is  in  Acts  1,  26. 

We  do  not  maintain,  that  the  Savior  connot  govern  his  Church  without  the 
lot ;  but  the  use  of  the  same  demands  prudence,  conscientiousness  and 
devout  affection ;  it  must  never  be  appealed  to  in  cases  where  the  Holy 
Scriptures  decide  the  point  by  a  clear  expression  ;  and  it  binds  only 
those  who  cast  it  and  none  other. 

As  a  rule,  the  lot  shall  be  used  in  the  following  cases  only,  viz : 

When  a  brother  or  sister  receives  a  call  from  the  P.  E.  C,  and  requires  a 
special  lot  for  his  or  her  direction,  he  or  she  may  ask  the  P.  E.  C.  in 
writing  to  have  a  special  lot  cast  for  himself  or  herself  and  the  direc- 
tions given  by  the  lot,  shall  be  absolutely  binding  upon  that  brother  or 
sister. 

And  when  the  P.  E.  C.  when  making  appointments  are  utterly  unable  to 
decide  between  two  or  more  brethren,  the  question  may  be  asked  by 
lot  "  to  whom  the  offer  shall  be  first  made,"  but  such  use  of  the  lot  shall 
be  binding  on  the  P.  E.  C.  only,  and  not  on  the  person  to  whom  the 
offer  is  made. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Lennert  the  report  was  accepted  and  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Shultz  communicated  the  following  report  from  the  "  Committee  on 
Home-Missions." 

Report  of  the  "  Committee  ov  H«me-Missiohs." 

The  "  Committee  on  Home-Missions"  would  deem  it  an  act  of  injustice  to 
the  prosperity  of  our  Church  in  this  country  as  well  as  to  their  own 
feelings,  not  to  express  their  gratitude  to  our  Lord  and  Savior  for  the 
peculiar  manner  in  which  He  has  blessed  the  labors  of  our  Home-Mis- 
sionaries. He  has  opened  for  us  doors  of  usefulness  of  which  we  had 
no  idea  a  few  years  ago,  and  He  has  raised  up  laborers  fitted  for  the 
various  fields  in  which  they  have  been  engaged.  This  new  increase  in 
our  Church  has  resulted,  we  can  truly  say,  from  no  previous  plans  and 
efforts  of  our  Church,  but  has  in  a  surprising  manner  been  the  work  of 
the  great  Head  of  the  Church  ;  thus  recalling  to  our  minds  those  periods 
in  our  eventful  history  when  He  so  visibly  manifested  His  presence  in 
our  midst  and  directed  our  labors.  Now,  as  then,  the  work  has  been 
solely  His,  and  we  have  followed  only  as  He  has  led  us.  He  is  teaching 
us,  that  what  he  has  already  enabled  us  to  do  is  not  all  that  He  intends 
us  to  accomplish,  but  is  leading  us  onwards,  and  is  giving  us  this  suc- 
cess as  an  evidence  that  He  will  bless  us  still  further  if  we  place  full 
faith  in  His  assurances. 


124  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  STNOD. 

Your  committee  have  conferred  with  four  of  our  missionaries ;  and  have 
learned  from  them  the  success  they  have  met  with  in  their  labors,  and 
.  the  difficulties  and  discouragements  they  have  to  encounter  in  their 
present  peculiar  situation.  Though  greatly  encouraged  in  the  success 
of  their  labors  these  missionaries  feel  somewhat  embarrassed  how  to 
act  in  their  successful  prosecution,  since  no  sufficient  provision  has  been 
made  for  such  an  unexpected  increase  in  the  efforts  of  our  Church. — 
They  are  perplexed  to  know  how  they  are  to  make  use  of  the  advant- 
ages before  them.  They  wish  to  be  informed  what  relation  the  flocks 
of  which  they  have  charge  bear  to  our  old  established  congregations, 
and  in  what  relation  they  themselves  stand  to  the  constituted  authorities 
of  our  Church.  These  missionaries  have  been  sent  out  by  different 
societies  in  a  great  measure  independent  of  one  another  and  not  direct- 
ly subject  to  a  central  organization.  They  have  not  received  definite 
and  satisfactory  instructions,  and  do  not  understand  how  far  they  are 
responsible  to  any  ecclesiastical  authority.  They  feel  that  they  are 
placed  to  great  disadvantage  by  this  embarrassing  situation  in  the  prose- 
cution of  their  labors.  They  do  not  know  in  their  present  isolated  and 
anomalous  situation  what  advantages  to  offer  to  their  people  as  church 
members,  and  what  protection  they  have  against  the  encroachments 
and  opposing  efforts  of  other  denominations. 

Convinced  that  some  measures  must  be  speedily  adopted  to  enable  our  mis- 
sionaries to  carry  on  their  labors  successfully  and  our  Church  faithfully 
to  meet  these  new  demands  which  the  Lord  is  so  wonderfully  making 
upon  our  efforts,  your  committee  have  drawn  up  a  Constitution  for  a 
general  Home-Missionary  Society,  based  upon  that  adopted  by  the 
Synod  in  1849,  and  have  agreed  upon  some  resolutions  which  they 
respectfully  otier  to  your  consideration. 

"  Resolved,  that  our  Home-Missionaries  be  authorized  by  the  constituted 
authority  of  our  branch  of  the  Moravian  church,  to  organize  Moravian 
congregations  in  accordance  with  the  Constitution  and  discipline  of 
our  Church,  and  that  all  ordained  Home-Missionaries  in  actual  service 
be  entitled  to  a  seat  and  vote  in  the  Synod  of  our  church. 

H.  A.  SHULTZ. 

GEORGE  W.  PERKIN, 

Secretary  of  the  Committee  on  Home  Missions. 

Constitution    of    thk    Moravian  Brethren's    Home-Mission    Soci- 
ety. 

Article  I.  This  Society  shall  be  called  the  Moravian  Brethren's  Home- 
Mission  Society. 

Art.  2.  The  contribution  of  any  sum  of  money  not  less  than  twenty-five 
cents  per  annum  entitles  the  brother  or  sister  contributing  this  amount 
to  become  a  member  of  the  Society.  All  those  individuals  who  are  not 
members  of  the  Brethren's  Church,  but  contribute  according  to  the 
provisions  of  this  article,  become  thereby  honorary  members  of  the  So- 
ciety. 

Art.  3.  A  contributor  of  ten  dollars  or  more  shall  become  a  member  for 
life,  if  a  member  of  our  church  ;  otherwise  an  honorary  member  for 
life. 

Art.  4.  The  officers  of  the  general  M.B.H.M.S.  shall  be  a  President,  a.  Vice- 
President,  a  Secretary,  a  Corresponding  Secretary*  a  Treasurer  and  six 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.         125 

Directors  and  the  members  of  the  P.  E.  C.  ex-officio,  who  together  form 
a  Board  of  Managers.  They  are  to  be  annually  chosen  by  ballot  in  a 
general  meeting  of  the  Society  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Society,  and  the  actual  members  of  auxiliary  societies  attend- 
ing the  meeting. 

Art.  5.  The  President  of  every  auxiliary  Home-Mission  Society  is  ex-officio 
a  Vice-President  of  the  Board. 

Art.  6.  The  Secretary  shall  keep  a  careful  protocol  of  all  meetings  of  the 
Board,  and  of  general  meetings.  He  shall  present  a  full  and  detailed 
report  of  the  Society's  proceedings  to  the  annual  meeting,  and  cause 
the  same  to  be  transmitted  within  four  weeks  thereafter  to  the  President 
of  every  auxiliary  society. 

Art,  7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  to  correspond 
with  the  auxiliaries  and  laborers  in  the  service  of  the  Society,  or  with 
any  person  or  persons  from  whom  information  relative  to  the  Home- 
Mission  work  can  be  obtained  ;  and  shall  for  the  purpose  of  creating 
or  fostering  an  interest  in  the  cause,  make  such  communications  to  the 
auxiliaries  as  in  his  judgment,  or  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board  of 
officers,  shall  be  thought  advisable. 

Art.  8.  The  Treasurer  shall  keep  an  exact  account  of  the  moneys  received 
and  expended,  specifying  on  his  books  from  whom  received,  and  to 
whom  and  for  what  purpose  expended.  He  shall  present  a  specified 
statement  of  the  funds  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  and  cause 
the  same  to  be  transmitted  within  four  weeks  thereafter  to  the  President 
of  every  auxiliary  society. 

Art.  9.  The  anniversary  meeting  of  the  General  H.  M.  S.  shall  take  place 
on  the  second  Wednesday  in  May,  when  the  reports  of  the  Secretary  and 
Treasurer  are  to  be  submitted,  addresses  to  be  delivered,  and  if  possible 
other  interesting  communications  to  be  made.  The  place  where  the 
anniversary  meetings  shall  be  held  is  to  be  determined  at  each  previous 
annual  meeting. 

Art.  10.  The  nomination,  instruction  and  compensation  of  Home>-Mis- 
sionaries  shall  be  entrusted  to  the  Board  of  Officers  of  the  General  So- 
ciety. But  their  appointment  shall  be  vested  in  the  P.  E.  C.  ex- 
clusively. 

Art.  11.  The  fund  for  carrying  on  the  operations  of  this  Society  shall  be 
1.  An  independent  Home-Missionary  Sustentation-Fund  for  the  relief 
of  superannuated  or  disabled  Home-Missionaries  and  their  widows  and 
the  education  of  their  children;  2.  A  fund  for  the  maintenance  of  our 
Home-Missionaries  when  in  the  field;  and  these  funds  shall  be  exclusive- 
ly appropriated  to  the  promotion  of  these  objects. 

Art.  12.  These  pecuniary  means  or  funds  of  the  M.  B.  H.  M.  S.  shall  be 
and  remain  entirely  distinct  and  separate  from  all  other  funds  and  diac- 
onies  ot  the  United  Brethren's  Church. 

Art.  13.  The  above  funds  of  the  General  H.  M.  S.  shall  be  under  the 
sole  and  absolute  control  of  the  Board  of  Directors. 

Art.  14.  Such  societies  as  shall  undertake  the  support  and  maintenance  of 
one  or  more  missionaries  at  their  own  charge,  shall  be  left  free  to  regu- 
late their  own  financial  affair*. 


126         JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Art.  15.  The  Board  of  Managers  shall  have  full  power  to  enact  such  By- 
Laws  as  they  may  deem  expedient,  if  not  inconsistent  with  the  articles 
of  this  constitution. 

Art.  16.  The  General  H.  M.  S.  reserves  to  itself  the  right  of  making  addi- 
tions or  alterations  in  the  constitution,  provided,  at  least  two  thirds  of 
the  actual  members  present  at  the  anniversary  meeting,  or  at  any  special 
meeting  called  for  the  purpose  by  the  Board,  shall  vote  affirmatively,  af- 
ter the  proposed  amendments  or  changes  shall  have  been  published  to 
the  members  of  the  Society. 

The  committee  have  felt  the  necessity  of  adopting  some  plan  by  which  our 
missionaries  also  may  be  relieved  when  superannuated,  their  widows 
aided  and  their  children  educated,  and  have  therefore  embodied  in  the 
proposed  constitution  an  independent  Home-Missionary  Sustentation- 
Fund  for  these  objects.  They  propose  the  following  methods  by  which 
such  a  fund  may  be  raised  : 

1.  By  contributions  given  by  the  congregations  at  Bethlehem,  Nazareth  and 

Litiz,  out  of  their  abundance  when  blessed  by  the  Lord  with  an  over- 
plus accruing  from  their  congregation-funds; 

2.  By  contributions  annually  made  by  the  Sustentation  Diacony  of  this 

province ; 

3.  By  the  contribution  of  a  fixed  sum  from  the  members  of  the  Home-Mis- 

sion congregations  who  are  urged  to  form  missionary  societies  for  this 
object,  each  member  paying  a  small  sum  weekly,  and  these  sums  to  be 
transmitted  quarterly  or  semi-annually  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  tT.  B.  H. 
M.  S.,  and  then  to  be  placed  at  interest,  the  principal  remaining  un- 
touched ; 

4.  By  systematic  efforts  to  obtain  donations,  stated  contributions  or  legacies 

for  this  object  among  the  members  of  our  older  congregations,  and  the 
friends  of  our  church  generally  ; 

5.  By  the  judicious  investment  of  small  sums  of  money  in  western  lands  ; 

6.  By  the  auxiliary  societies,  or  any  of  their  members  insuring  the  life  of  a 

missionary  in  a  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Co.  the  proceeds  of  the  Policy 
at  his  death  to  accrue  to  the  Sustentation-Fund,  such  fund  to  be  proper- 
ly secured  by  bonds  and  mortgages,  or  State  or  United  States  stock. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  the  report  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Hagen  read  the  following  report  from  the  "  Committee  on  Doctrine 
and  Ritual" : 

Report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual." 

The  "  Committee  on  Doctrine  and  Ritual"  have  had  the  subject  referred  to 
them  in  mature  and  prayerful  consideration,  and  submit  the  following 
report : 

*«  The  second  chapter  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Preparatory  Conference  of 
1847,  treating  on  the  subject  of  Doctrine,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Com- 
mittee, is  susceptible  of  various  modifications  and  amendments,  and  is 
hereby  laid  before  the  Synod  for  adoption  in  the  following  form,  viz  : 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  127 

CHAPTER  II. 

The  Doctrine  and  manner  of  teaching  it. 

"  Christ  is  all  and  in  all."     Col.  3.  11. 

"  Increase  the  knowledge  of  the  mystery  of  Christ,  and  diminish  misappre- 
hensions." 

Object  and  goal  Thou  shalt  remain, 
Whate'er  I've  labor'd  to  attain, 
Unless  it  savour  of  the  cross, 
I  leave,  0  Lord, — I  count  but  loss. 

2.  §  4.  The  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  are,  and  they 

shall  remain  the  only  rule  of  our  faith  and  practice.  We  revere  them 
as  the  Word  of  God,  and  are  convinced  that  all  the  truths  necessary 
for  man  to  know  and  to  believe  for  his  salvation  are  therein  contained, 
and  that  the  Holy  Spirit  will  explain  them  to  every  one  who  reads  them 
with  a  candid  heart  and  humble  mind,  teaching  him  at  the  same  time 
to  appreciate  their  great  practical  importance. 

We  consider  every  truth  revealed  to  us  from  heaven,  as  an  invaluable 
treasure ;  and  it  is  the  honest  conviction  of  our  souls,  that  the  gain  or 
loss  even  of  life  itself  is  of  incomparably  less  importance  than  the  deni- 
al of  any  part  of  God's  revelation. 

3.  §  5.  Without  lessening  the  importance  of  any  other  article  of  christian 
faith,  we  steadfastly  maintain  the  following  rive  points  : 

1.  The  doctrine  of  the  universal  depravity  of  man  ;  that  there  is  no 
health  in  man,  and  that  since  the  fall,  he  is  utterly  unable  to  save  him- 
self. 

2.  The  doctrine  of  the  divinity  of  Christ ;  that  God  the  creator  of  all 
things  was  manifest  in  the  flesh,  and  reconciled  us  unto  Himself;  that 

He  is  before  all  things,  and  that  by  Him  all  things  consist. 

3.  The  doctrine  of  the  Atonement,  and  the  Satisfaction  made  for  us  by 
Jesus  Christ ;  that  He  was  delivered  for  our  offences,  and  raised  again 
for  our  justification  ;  and  that  by  His  merits  alone,  we  freely  receive 
the  forgiveness  of  sin,  are  born  again,  and  sanctified  in  soul  and  body. 

4.  The  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  operations  of  His  grace  ;  that 
it  is  He,  who  worketh  in  us  convictions  of  sin,  the  "  inward  witness" 
of  our  acceptance  with  God,  and  holiness  of  heart. 

5.  The  doctrine  of  the  fruits  of  faith  ;  that  faith  must  evidence  itself  by 
a  willing  obedience  to  the  commandments  of  God,  our  Savior,  from 
love  and  gratitude  to  Him. 

4.  §  6.  With   regard  to  the  doctrine  of  the  New  Birth,  we  admit,  that  the 

day  and  hour  of  this  change  cannot  be  accurately  specified  by  every 
one  that  has  experienced  it ;  yet  are  we  assured  of  our  justification, 
regeneration,  and  adoption,  by  the  "  Witness"  which  the  Spirit  of  God 
bears  with  our  Spirit,  and  through  the  testimony  of  our  own  conscience 
that  we  follow  after  that  holiness  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord.  We  furthermore  hold  that  this  "  inward  witness"  is  bestowed 
upon  every  one  who  truly  repents  and  with  the  heart  believes  in  Christ, 
and  that  therefore  the  unrenewed  should  be  urged  and  encourged  at 
once  to  seek  this  blessing,  and  be  warned  of  the  sin  and  danger  of  its 
neglect. 


l^S  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

And  in  order  that  new  born  souls  may  grow  in  grace  we  continually 
point  out  to  them  the  necessity  of  maintaining  constant  communication 
with  Christ,  and  through  him  with  the  Holy  Trinity,  from  which  com- 
munion are  derived  true  sanctification  of  soul  and  body. 

5.  §  8.  In  view  of  this  it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  our  ministers,  to  insist 
more  strenuously  both  in  public  and  in  private  on  the  practice  of  all  the 
Christian  virtues,  which  are  taught  in  God's  Word  and  alluded  to  in 
the  preceding  paragraphs,  lest  the  doctrine  of  the  free  grace  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus  be  perverted,  by  impure  minds,  to  the  quieting  of  the 
awakened  conscience,  resolved  still  to  live  in  sin, — and  the  doctrine  of 
the  fruits  of  faith,  i.  e.  an  universal  observance  of  God's  commandments, 
from  motives  of  love  and  gratitude,  fall  into  disrepute.  Admonitions 
and  reproofs  however,  can  be  expected  to  exert  a  salutary  influence  on 
the  hearts  of  hearers,  only  in  case  the  minister  of  the  Word,  in 
applying  them,  does  not  raise  himself  above  his  congregation  ;  but 
in  true  lowliness  of  heart,  feels  himself  to  be  a  sinner  among  sinners, 
all  of  whom  must  alike  be  saved  by  grace.  He  needs  a  discriminating 
mind,  and  unction  from  on  high,  to  instruct  him,  lest  he  incur  the  dan- 
ger of  alienating  the  affections  of  his  hearers  by  his  admonitions,  and 
produce  not  amendment,  but  exasperation  and  a  spirit  of  bitterness  or 
of  self-complacency,  ready  only  to  judge  others. 

It  is  especially  required  in  a  teacher  of  the  Word  of  God  that  he  should  have 
a'thorcugh  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  under  the  guidance 
and  illumination  of  the  Holy  Spirit  should  seek  to  penetrate  more  and 
more  deeply  into  their  meaning,  and  to  experience  the  full  power  of 
divine  truth  in  his  own  heart.  And  before  any  brother  is  appointed  to 
assist  in  the  public  proclamation  of  the  Gospel,  it  is  the  especial  duty 
of  the  P.  E.  C.  to  ascertain  by  careful  examination,  that  he  is  possessed 
of  these  indispensable  requisites. 

We  deem  it  of  paramount  importance  that  special  care  should  be  bestowed 
upon  individual  souls,  particularly  on  such  as  are  newly  awakened,  and 
that  ministers  are  authorized  to  employ  all  proper  means  of  ascertain- 
ing who  they  are  with  the  least  possible  delay  ;  so  that  they  may  guide 
them  to  Christ,  and  be  helpers  of  their  joy. 

It  is  a  duty  which  a  minister  owes  to  his  congregation,  to  endeavor  thorough- 
ly to  digest  and  arrange  his  discourses,  and  rightly  to  divide  the  word 
of  truth  (Tim.  2,  15.)  making  the  due  application  of  it  to  persons  and 
circumstances  ;  setting  forth  the  whole  compass  of  divine  revelation, 
according  to  the  subject  of  the  several  Christian  festivals,  as  a  scribe 
which  is  instructed  unto  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  brings  forth  out  of  his 
treasure  things  new  and  old,  and  leading  his  hearers,  by  the  gracious 
assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  into  all  truth. 

6.  §  9.  Our  object  in  proclaiming  the  Word  of  God,  should  be  to  excite  our 
hearers  to  search  the  Scriptures  for  themselves,  and  with  joy  to  draw 
water  from  these  wells  of  salvation.  We  deem  it  a  sacred  duty  to  pro- 
mote the  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  among  us  by  all  possible  means. 
Of  this  we  make  the  beginning  with  our  children.  Aware  of  the  deep 
and  blessed  impressions,  which  Scripture  narratives  from  the  lips  of 
pious  mothers  have  made  on  the  tender  hearts  of  their  children,  we 
would  earnestly  entreat  all  mothers  in  our  congregations,  not  to  neglect 
this  most  delightful  and  important  duty,  in  the  performance  of  which 
the  blessing  of  the  Lord  may  rest  in  such  a  manner,  that,  as  we  read  of 
young  Timothy,  2  Tim.  1,  5.,  the   unfeigned  faith  and  the  love  of  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.         129 

Redeemer,  which  are  in  them,  may  also  be  implanted  in  the  hearts  of 
their  children  and  children's  children,  strike  root  therein,  and  come  to 
perfection. 

§  10.  This  seed  of  the  divine  word,  sown  in  the  tender  hearts  of  children,  is 
best  nurtured  by  means  of  family -worship,  in  which  the  use  of  our 
text-book,  upon  which  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to  lay  his  blessing, 
leads  to  the  daily  reading  of  one  or  more  chapters  of  Holy  Writ. — 
Whilst  therefore  the  head  of  every  household  is  earnestly  exhorted,  on 
no  account  to  neglect  family-worship,  and  wherever  the  same  has  not 
hitherto  been  customary,  to  introduce  it  without  delay,  it  does  not 
appear  desirable  to  prescribe  any  set  form  according  to  which  it  must 
necessarily  be  conducted. 

§11.  In  the  catechetical  instructions,  which  should  be  given  as  regularly  as 
circumstances  will  permit,  it  should  be  the  aim  of  the  teacher,  to  im- 
press the  doctrinal  truths  of  our  religion  on  the  minds  of  the  young  in 
as  familiar  and  perspicuous  a  manner  as  possible,  and  to  make  such 
instructions  interesting  to  them. 

And  being  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of  Sunday-schools  and 
Bible-classes,  it  is  recommended  that  all  our  ministers  faithfully  main- 
tain them  where  they  already  exist,  and  introduce  them  where  they  do 
not. 

It  is  further  earnestly  recommended  that  the  committing  to  memory  of 
choice  texts  of  scripture,  as  well  as  of  hymns  be  much  insisted  on  ;  and 
that  efforts  be  made  to  encourage  our  youth  to  lay  up  a  rich  treasure 
of  such  truths,  as  can  make  them  wise  unto  salvation.  The  exhorta- 
tion of  the  Apostle  should  not  be  forgotten  :  "  Let  the  Word  of  Christ 
dwell  in  you  richly  in  all  wisdom  ;  teaching  and  admonishing  one 
another  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace 
in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord."     (Col.  3,  16.) 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  Ritual.     (Liturgicum.) 

"  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of 
some  is."     Heb.  10,  25. 

"  Give  spirit  and  power  to  preach  Thy  word." 

Could  I  exalt  Thee  worthily, 

For  Thy  unbounded  grace 

Display'd  in  various  ways  to  me, 

My  lauds  would  never  cease. 
§  12.  The  object  aimed  at  by  our  whole  ritual,  is  on  the  one  hand,  to  furnish 
instruction  in  the  truths  of  our  christian  faith  out  of  the  word  of  God, 
and,  on  the  other,  to  make  a  special  application  thereof  to  the  different 
relations  and  circumstances  of  human  life.  It  seeks  to  make  the  awaken- 
ing, quickening  and  sanctification  of  the  heart  go  hand  in  hand  with 
the  mere  speculative  knowledge  of  the  doctrines  of  Christianity. 

Regulations  of  whatever  kind,  affecting  the  ritual  of  our  church,  must  never 
be  allowed  to  become  a  dead  letter,  or  to  degenerate  into  a  cold  and 
lifeless  form.  It  is  therefore  to  be  counted  as  one  of  the  special  privi- 
leges of  the  Brethren's  church,  that  it  has  reserved  to  itself  the  liberty 
of  altering  and  amending  its  ritual  according  to  the  circumstances  that 
may  arise  and  the  exigencies  that  may  present  themselves. 

17 


130  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

§  13.  With  respect  to  the  observance  of  the  Sunday  as  the  day,  of  the  Lord, 
it  cannot  be  denied,  that  recently  it  has  been  more  satisfactory  in  our 
congregations  generally,  than  was  the  case  in  previous  years.  But  a 
still  more  marked  improvement  is  desirable.  Though  we  feel  ourselves 
compelled,  partly  by  the  agitation  of  this  subject  now  prevailing  in 
various  divisions  of  the  christian  church,  and  partly  too  by  other  con- 
siderations, to  express  and  sanction  some  views  relative  to  the  proper 
observance  of  the  Lord's  day,  and  to  endeavor  to  throw  out  hints  for 
the  regulation  of  such  an  observance,  we  cannot  do  otherwise, — and  by 
so  doing  we  design  no  disparagement  of  the  sentiments  and  opinions 
prevalent  amongst  the  christian  public  in  this  country, — than  solemnly 
to  remind  all  connected  with  us,  not  to  give  place  to  the  erroneous 
opinion,  that  the  strict  observance  of  the  Lord's  day  is  possessed  of  any 
peculiar  meritoriousness.  We  are  rather  to  regard  it  as  an  undeserved 
privilege  that  one  day  in  seven  has  been  granted  us  as  a  day  of  rest. — 
Whoever  sincerely  loveth  the  Saviour,  devotes  this  day  with  heartfelt 
gratitude  towards  God,  to  the  furtherance  of  his  own  as  well  as  of  his 
neighbor's  edification. 

§  14.  In  accordance  with  these  principles,  which  we  find  laid  down  in  Rom. 
14,  1 — 23,  (not  to  refer  to  other  similar  passages  of  Holy  Writ,)  and  to 
which  we  have  always  subscribed,  (compare  §  186  and  §  235  of  the  Idea 
Fidei  Fratrum,)  it  is  emphatically  reeommended  to  all  our  ministers  to 
exert  themselves  to  their  utmost,  to  enlighten  the  minds  of  the  mem- 
bers of  their  respective  charges  on  this  subject,  and  to  urge  them  to  a 
conscientious  observance  of  all  those  means,  which  are  calculated  to 
further  the  object  for  which  the  Lord's  day  has  been  set  apart. 

The  church  recognizes  the  obligation  faithfully  to  sustain  every  minister  in 
the  discharge  of  this  duty,  provided  always  he  act  in  the  spirit  of  the 
Gospel. 

§  15.  A  complete  enumeration  of  all  such  acts  as  are  admissible  or  inadmis- 
sible on  the  Lord's  day  is  manifestly  impossible,  more  particularly  on 
account  of  the  diversity  of  opinions  on  this  subject  prevalent  in  the 
Christian  church,  especially  in  this  country, — and  were  it  practicable, 
it  would  perhaps  give  rise  to  a  code  of  laws,  which  would  scarcely  be 
compatible  with  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  Still  we  conceive  it  not  in- 
consistent with  that  spirit,  solemnly  to  charge  all  the  members  of  our 
church  to  abstain  from  unnecessary  travel,  as  well  as  from  frequenting 
public  houses  on  the  Sabbath,  such  conduct  being  not  only  unchristian, 
but  also  disreputable  in  the  eyes  of  respectable  persons.  Further,  we 
exhort  them  to  avoid  the  very  appearance  of  an  habitual  neglect  of  the 
public  services  of  the  sanctuary  on  that  day,  and  to  be  careful,  that  the 
recreations,  indulged  in  on  the  same,  be  innocent,  and  interfere  neither 
with  their   own  attendance  nor  with  that  of  others  on   divine  worship. 

In  conclusion,  we  most  earnestly  admonish  every  one  in  all  his  actions  to 
consider  not  only,  whether  they  are  in  themselves  innocent,  but  also, 
whether  they  may  not  prove  an  offence  or  a  snare  to  others,  ever  re- 
membering, that  he  is  to  be  judged  not  by  man  alone,  but  by  the  omnis- 
cient God. 

§  16.  Baptism,  which  is  to  be  observed  with  becoming  solemnity,  is  usually 
to  be  administered  in  a  public  meeting  of  the  congregation,  to  which 
our  children  are  to  be  made  particularly  welcome.  The  administration 
of  this  ordinance  furnishes  a  suitable  opportunity  to  remind  those  present 
of  the  covenant  into  which  they  were  received  by  that  rite,  which  is  the 
answer  of  a  good  conscience  towards  God. 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  131 

4  17.  We  propose  no  alteration  in  the  solemnly  impressive  manner  in  which 
the  Lord's  Supper  has  hitherto  been  administered  amongst  us.  Nor  do 
we  lay  down  any  rule,  binding  on  all  our  congregations,  as  to  the  time 
when  this  ordinance  is  to  be  observed,  although  it  is  not  to  be  adminis- 
tered more  frequently  than  once  in  four  weeks.  But  should  a  communi- 
cant habitually  neglect  this  ordinance  from  an  improper  cause,  as 
for  instance,  from  hatred  or  revengeful  feelings  towards  any  one,  we 
cannot  regard  such  conduct  as  indicative  of  faithfulness  towards  him- 
self, but  rather  of  unfaithfulness  towards  his  Savior  and  a  heinous  sin 
against  Christ. 

§  18.  The  service  preparatory  to  the  Lord's  supper,  should  not  be  neglected 
by  our  communicants,  except  for  valid  reasons.  It  is  perhaps  not  feas- 
ible to  re-introduce  the  practice  formerly  in  vogue  amongst  us,  of  hold- 
ing private  conversations  between  the  individual  communicants  and 
the  pastor,  previous  to  every  communion  season,  and  yet  there  may 
be  some  in  our  connexion  who  would  wish  to  see  the  practice  revived. 
It  is  therefore  recommended  to  our  ministers,  whenever  they  announce 
the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  supper,  to  invite  all  such  as  feel  desirous 
of  conversing  with  them,  to  call  on  them  at  certain  designated  time  and 
place. 

Wherever  practicable,  the  Thansgiving-meeting,  formerly  held  on  the  day 
after  the  administration  of  this  sacrament,  should  again  be  introduced. 

AH  our  congregations   are  hereby  instructed  to  use  our  most  excellent  and 
impressive  church  litany,  statedly  engaging  therein  with  due  reverence 
'  and  unction,  and   that  the  custom  of  the  church  in  regard  to  the  post- 
ure in  which  we  appear  before  the  Lord  in  this  service,  be  retained. 

§19.  However  various  may  be  the  manner  of  interring  our  dead  in  different 
congregations,  funerals  afford  an  apportanity  not  to  be  neglected  for 
solemn  meditation  upon  the  duty  of  contemplating  our  passage  through 
time,  in  the  light  of  that  eternity  to  which  we  are  individually  hasten- 
ing. 

The  request  which  has  frequently  been  made,  is  now  repeated,  viz  :  that 
our  brethren  and  sisters  would  not  neglect  to  write  their  own  memoirs, 
in  which  God's  dealings  with  them  in  spirituals  as  well  as  temporals, 
may  be  recorded,  by  means  of  which  even  after  their  departure,  they 
may  be  of  permanent  blessing  to  many  souls.  Uniformity  and  sim- 
plicity in  the  epitaphs  as  well  as  in  the  grave-stones  themselves,  in  our 
respective  burial-places,  ought  if  possible  to  be  preserved. 

§  20.  Besides  Monthly  Concert  of  prayer,  which  is  regularly  observed  in 
the  majority  of  our  congregations  on  the  first  Monday  of  erery  month, 
other  meetings  for  prayer,  either  in  the  church  or  in  private  houses  on 
week-day  evenings,  are  held  in  some  places  more  or  less  regularly. — 
With  respect  to  the  latter,  the  remark  may  not  be  out  of  place,  that 
social  prayer  meetings  perfectly  accord  with  the  spirit  of  our  church, 
provided  they  spring  from  love  to  God  and  to  the  brethren,  and  are 
conducted  in  an  unostentatious  manner  and  with  childlike  reliance  on 
Christ's  promise,  Matth.  18,  19  and  20th  verses. 

§  21.  Our  Love-feasts,  imitative  of  the  Agapae  of  the  primitive  Christians, 
and  beautifully  emblematical  of  that  family-bond,  which  unites  us  as 
brethren  and  sisters  in  our  common  love  to  the  Lord,  ought  properly  to 
be  regarded  as  private  meetings  merely,  designed  only  for  members  of 
the  church,     It  is  however  left  to  the  Elders'  Conferencei  or  commit- 


132         JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

tees  of  our  respective  churches  to  determine  what  restrictions  with  re- 
spect to  the  admission  of  strangers  to  such  meetings  shall  be  made  in 
every  instance. 

§  22.  It  furnishes  matter  for  regret  that  in  most  of  our  congregations  sing- 
ing-meetings have  been  almost  if  not  altogether,  discontinued.  In  order 
to  revive  the  taste  for  them,  the  conference  would  enforce  the  admoni- 
tion of  the  Synod  of  1836,  that  our  adult  members,  as  well  as  children, 
familiarize  themselves  with  our  hymns  and  tunes.  It  is  therefore  earn- 
estly recommended  to  our  different  congregations  to  bestow  greater 
pains  on  the  committing  to  memory  of  hymns,  so  that  the  singing  in 
the  meetings  alluded  to  may  not  be  interrupted  by  the  giving  out  of 
the  lines  of  the  hymn.  Our  ministers,  being  ex-officio  directors  of  our 
church-music,  are  hereby  instructed  to  retain,  as  far  as  possible,  our 
own  peculiar  sacred  music,  and,  wherever  practicable,  to  take  measures 
to  have  our  school-children  taught  to  sing  our  own  tunes. 

§  23.  It  was  generajly  regretted,  that  our  congregations  in  this  country,  for 
want  of  a  proper  medium  of  communication,  had  become  gradually  less 
acquainted  with  each  other  than  they  are  with  many  of  our  societies  in 
Europe.  The  unanimous  wish  was  therefore  expressed,  that  P.  H.  C. 
might  adopt  suitable  measures,  to  further  the  acquaintance  amongst 
themselves  of  our  American  congregations,  and  also  annually  to  pub- 
lish extracts  from  the  reports  sent  in  by  our  respective  ministers. 

Each  minister  should  keep  a  regular  diary  of  the  most  important  occurrences 
in  his  congregation  and  of  his  own  official  acts,  and  furnish,  annually, 
an  extract  of  the  same  to  the  P.  E.  C. 

F.  F.  HAGEN, 

J.  C.  JACOBSON, 

P.  WOLLE, 

H.  BACHMAN, 

H.  G.  CLAUDER,     . 

J.  WEISS, 

F.  JORDAN, 

D.  WEINLAND, 

C.  D.  BUSSE. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  the  report  was  accepted  and  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Hagen  then  offered  the  following  resolution  from  the  "  Committee  on 
Doctrine  and  Ritual"  : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  in  connection  with  the  ministers  of  Bethlehem 
and  Nazareth,  be  instructed  to  prepare  for  early  publication,  an  epitome, 
or  brief  exposition  of  the  principles  of  Doctrine,  the  Constitution  and 
Discipline  of  the  Brethren's  church." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck.  the  resolution  was  laid  on  the  table. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wolle,  (Bethl.)  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Church 
Publications,"  was  taken  up  for  further  consideration. 

The  second  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Schweinitz  moved 
to  amend  by  inserting  after  published,  "  in  place  of  the  present  Church  Mis- 
cellany," so  as  to  read : 

That  at  this  office  a  weekly  paper  be  published,  in  place  of  the  present 
Church  Miscellany.    Agreed  to. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  133 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  to  amend  the  amendment,  by  striking  out  all 
after  resolved,  and  inserting,  "  that  the  Church  Miscellany  be  published  at 
this  office  from  the  1st  of  January  next  as  a  weekly  paper.  Agreed  to,  and 
the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  third  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Schweinitz  moved  to 
amend,  by  striking  out  the  last  clause. — Agreed  to. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  fourth  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Clauder  moved  to 
suspend  the  seriatim  consideration  of  these  resolutions  and  take  up  the 
tenth  and  eleventh  resolutions  relating  to  finance.     Agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  eleventh  resolution  was  taken  up  first. 

During  consideration  of  the  same,  Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  that  an  ex" 
act  inventory  of  the  stock  and  debts  of  the  bookstore  be  made  and  reported 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend,  "  that  the  brother  who  has  the  care  of  the 
bookstore  be  requested  to  furnish  a  specifie  inventory  of  the  same  by  Mon- 
day next  2  P.  M. 

The  amendment  was  accepted,  and  the  resolution  as  amended  adopted. 

Br.  Luckenbach  offered  the  following  resolution : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Sustentation  Diacony  shall  advance  from  time  to  time 
for  the  enterprize  any  sum  not  exceeding  fifteen  hundred  dollars  in  the 
aggregate,  but  no  more  ;  provided  that  if  after  one  year's  trial  of  the 
bookstore  and  publication  office  at  Philadelphia,  it  should  prove  that 
the  entire  income  of  the  concern,  with  the  aid  of  the  fifteen  hundred 
dollars  before  mentioned,  should  not  completely  cover  all  expenses  con- 
nected with  the  enterprize,  then  the  concern  shall  be  forthwith  wound 
up." 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Church  Pub- 
lications" be  referred  to  a  new  committee,  but  withdrew  his  motion,  when 
after  some  further  discussion  on  the  resolution  before  the  Synod,  Br.  Bleck 
offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  further  consideration  of  the  report  of  the 
"  Committee  on  Church  Publications"  be  postponed  for  the 
present,  and  that  the  whole  matter  relating  to  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Bookstore  and  the  Publication  office,  and  of  the 
publication  of  a  weekly  paper,  and  all  matters  connected  there- 
with be  referred  to  a  special  committee  of  five,  to  report  a 
plan  in  accordance  as  far  as  may  be,  with  the  views  express- 
ed by  the  Synod.     Adopted. 

The  President  appointed  the  brethren  Tschudy,  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon) 
Luckenbach,  Rice  and  Bleck  the  special  committee  of  five. 

On  motion  Synod  adjourned  to  2  P.  M.,  after  singing  :  "  3>tt  aHctt  tHCt- 
ncn  Xhatcn,"  u.  f.  w. 


lo4         JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

TWENTY-SIXTH  SESSION. 

2  p.  M. — 34  members  present. 

Sung.     "  The  Lord  my  Shepherd  is,  and  Guide," 

Prayer  by  Br.  Barstow, 

On  leave  granted,  Br.  Goepp  offered  the  following  resolution — 

7.  Vacancies  which  may  occur  in  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  during 
the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Synod,  shall  be  filled  in  the  following  man- 
ner :  The  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  shall  issue  its  circular  to  the 
different  congregations  and  other  persons  interested,  giving  them  notice 
of  such  vacancy  and  directing  them  to  vote  for  a  brother  among  the 
ministry  to  fill  the  same.  In  the  election  every  person  who  is  ex-officio 
entitled  to  a  seat  and  vote  in  the  Provincial  Synod  shall  have  one  vote, 
and  each  congregation  shall  be  entitled  to  as  many  votes  as  such  con- 
gregation was  entitled  to  send  delegates  to  the  Provincial  Synod  last  held, 
to  be  given  them,  as  they  by  the  congregation  council  direct,  or  by 
electors  chosen  by  them,  as  they  may  see  proper.  The  votes  so  given  shall 
be  sealed  up  and  sent  to  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  who  shall  re- 
ceive them  but  break  no  seal,  until  all  the  votes  have  been  received  and  their 
own  vote  or  votes  added  thereto.  The  votes  shall  then  be  opened  and  count- 
ed in  the  presence  of  not  less  than  two  other  brethren,  and  if  any  broth- 
er shall  have  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given  he  shall  be  considered 
elected.  Should  no  brother  have  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given,  the 
Provincial  Elders'  Conference  shall  issue  another  circular  as  before,  giv- 
ing the  names  of  the  three  brethren  who  received  the  highest  number 
of  votes. — 

The  ministers  of  congregations  and  all  others  entitled  to  vote,  shall  then 
again  vote  in  a  manner  above  described  but  shall  be  confined  in  their 
votes  to  the  three  brethren  named.  When  the  votes  have  again  been  re- 
turned to  the  Provincial  Elders'  Conference  as  above  stated,  and  after 
their  vote  has  been  added,  they  shall  open  and  count  the  votes  in  the 
presence  of  witnesses  as  before,  and  the  brother  having  the  highest  num- 
ber of  votes  shall  be  considered  elected.  After  each  election  the  Pro- 
vincial Elders'  Conference  shall  publish  a  full  account  thereof. 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  three  and  inserting  two 
in  the  fourth  sentence. — Lost. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  "  the  highest  number  of  votes," 
and  inserting  "  a  majority  of  votes"  at  the  close  of  the  second  last  sentence. 
— agreed  to,  and  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Rice  the  Report  of  "  Committee  on  Finance"  was  taken 
up. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp  the  resolutions  of  said  Report  were  taken  up. 

The  first  resolution  was  adopted. 

The  second  resolution  being  under  consideration  Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to 
amend  by  striking  out  "  higher  rate  of  interest  than  five  per  cent" — and 
inserting  "  rate  of  interest  not  less  than  six  per  cent." — Agreed  to. 

The  resolutiou  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  third  resolution  was  adopted. 


JOURNAL  OE  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  135 

The  fourth  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Luckenbach  moved 
to  amend  by  striking  out  $650  and  inserting  $700. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  called  for  a  division. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  striking  out  $650,  it  was  carried. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  fill  the  blank  with  -$600. 

Br.  Rice  with  $700.     Br.  Bleck  with  $675. 

On  the  question  of  filling  the  blank  with  $700  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sha- 
ron) called  the  yeas  and  nays,  which  resulted  as  follows  ;  Yeas,  the  brethren 
Bigler,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  Busse,  Clauder,  Eberman,  (Naz.) 
Hagen,  Harvey,  Kummer,  Lennert,  Leibfried,  Luckenbach,  Oehler,  Regenass, 
Reinke,  (Litiz)  Reinke  (Staten  Island)  Rice,  Schweinitz  Troeger,  Wunder- 
ling.  20.  Nays,  the  brethren  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  Holland,  Jordan, 
Kn  auss,  Masslich,  Micksch,  Musselman,  Peisert,  Perkin,  Rauch,  Shultz, 
Tschudy,  Yobst.  13.     The  question  was  carried. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  fifth  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Rice  moved  to  amend 
by  adding  "  with  discretionary  power  to  increase  these  rates  in  certain  cases, 
if  it  shall  be  found  necessary." — Agreed  to. 

And  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  sixth,  seventh,  eighth  and  ninth  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  tenth  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Shultz  moved  to  in- 
sert "  not  less  than"  before  $500,  but  withdrew,  when  Br.  Blickensderfer 
(Sharon)  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  the  proviso. 

The  questiou  having  been  taken  on  the  amendment  it  was  lost. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  resolution  it  was  adopted. 

The  eleventh  and  twelfth  resolutions  were  adopted. 

Br.  Rice  offered  the  following  resolution  to  be  appended  to  the  Report  of 
V  Committee  on  Finance"  as  the  fourteenth. 

"  Resolved,"  That  the  sum  of  about  $2400,  being  a  part  of  the 
debt  due  by  the  Hopedale  congregation  be  remitted. 
Adopted. 

Br.  Lennert  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  that  this  Synod  call  upon  all  our  respective  congrega- 
tions which  need  aid,  to  inform  the  P.  E.  C.  through  their 
committees,  what  amount  of  salary  is  paid  their  pastors 
annually  by  voluntary  subscription  ;  and  that  they  furnish 
at  the  same  time  the  amount  of  taxable  property  owned  by 
the  members  of  their  congregations,  and  the  sum  paid  by 
them  in  taxes  for  the  support  of  government." 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  by  inserting  "  or  received" 
after  need. — 

Accepted,  and  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion  it  was  inserted  in  the  report  of  "  Committee  on  Finance." 


136         JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  whole,  it  was  adopted. 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  this  Synod  adjourn  sine  dine  on  Wednesday 
next  M. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  moved  to  adjourn  over  to  Monday  next  eight 
o'clock  A.  M. — Agreed  to — and  Synod  adjourned  after  singing  : 

"  The  Grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  &c. 


TWENTY-SEVENTH  SESSION. 

Monday,  May  21st,  8.  A.  M. — 36  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  My  soul  awake  and  render/,  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Wolle,  (Dover.) — Texts  of  the  day  read. 

Minutes  of  Saturday's  Sessions  read,  amended  and  adopted. 

The  President  proceeded  to  call  on  committees  to  report,  when  the  "Special 
Committee  of  five  on  "  Church  Publications"  reported  as  follows: 

Report  of  the  Special  Committee  of  five  on  Church  Publications. 

The  "  Special  Committee"  to  whom  was  referred  the  matter  of  the  establish- 
ment of  a  Book  Store  and  Publication  Office  and  of  a  weekly  paper  in 
lieu  of  the  "  Miscellany"  recommended  by  the  "Committee  on  Church 
Publications,"  beg  leave  to  report : 

That  they  had  the  matter  referred  to  them  under  careful  and  diligent  review, 
and  in  the  progress  of  their  investigations  became  deeply  impressed 
with  the  difficulties  which  surround  the  project.  While  they  heartily 
accord  the  meed  of  praise  to  the  "  Committee  on  Church  Publications" 
for  their  earnest  and  zealous  endeavors  to  surmount  those  difficulties, 
your  special  committee  cannot  agree  with  them  as  to  the  practicability 
of  the  plan  in  its  detail,  submitted  by  the  other  ;  they,  therefore,  re- 
spectfully recommend  the  adoption  of  the  annexed  resolutions,  viz  : 

1.  Resolved,  that  a  Moravian  Bookstore  and  Publication  office  be  opened  in 

Philadelphia,  and  that  the  book  concern  at  Bethlehem  be  wound  up, 
and  the  stock  remaining  on  hand  be  transferred  to  the  Bookstore  and 
Publication  office  in  Philadelphia,  to  constitute  a  part  of  the  stock  of 
the  same. 

2.  Resolved,  that  the  Sustentation   Diacony  may  from  time  to  time  loan  to 

said  concern  in  Philadelphia,  such  sums  of  money,  as  shall  in  the  ag- 
gregate not  exceed  $1500. 

3.  Resolved,  that  Br.  Francis  Jordan  be  the  agent  to  superintend  the  finan- 

cial concerns  of  the  Bookstore  and  Publication  office,  with  power  to 
employ  such  assistants  as  he  may  deem  requisite. 

4.  Resolved,  that  a  weekly  paper  be  issued  from  the  said  Publication  Office, 

under  the  title  of"  The  Moravian  (Church  Miscellany)"  at  the  annual 
subscription  of  $1.00,  payable  in  advance,  and  that  the  present  sub- 
scribers to  the  "  Miscellany"  receive  said  weekly  publication  in  lieu 
thereof,  to  the  amount  of  the  balance  of  their  respective  subscriptions. 


Journal  otf  the  fcRovtNclAL  s*Noi>.  13  Y 

5.  Resolved,  that  Br.  Edmund  Schweinitz  be  the  Editor  of  "The  Moravian 

(Church  Miscellany)"  with  power  to  call  to  his  aid  the  service  of  such 
persons  as  he  may  deem  proper. 

6.  Resolved,  that  the  first  number  of  the  weekly  Moravian  (Church  Miscel* 

lany)  be  issued  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  at  farthest  the  first  week  of 
1856. 

7.  Resolved,  that  the  Editor  and  Agent,  are  hereby  authorized  to  compen* 

sate  themselves  and  their  assistants  for  their  services,  from  the  income 
of  the  concern,  as  they  shall  deem  right  and  just* 

8.  Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  shall  send  an  ageht  at  the  end  of  each  year 

to  examine  into  the  financial  condition  of  the  concern,  and  to  report 
thereon  ;  and  if,  in  the  opinion  of  the  P.  E.  C.  said  concern  ought  to 
be  wound  up,  they  shall  proceed  to  do  so  forthwith. 

J.  B.  TSCHUDY)  Chairman, 
E.  F»  BLECK,  Secretary. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Rice*  the  report  was  taken  up. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bigler,  the  resolutions  were  considered  seriatim. 

The  first,  second  and  third  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  fourth  resolution  Was,  after  some  discussion,  adopted. 

The  fifth  resolution  being  under  consideration,  the  necessity  of  appoint* 
ing  an  editor  of  the  Moravian  Church  Miscellany  ad  interim,  being  suggest* 
ed,  Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  the  appointment  be  left  to  the  P.  E.  C— ' 
Agreed  to. 

The  fifth  resolution  was  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Weiss,  a  reconsideration  of  the  vote  on  the  name 
"  Moravian  Church  Miscellany"  was  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  it  was  agreed  to  call  the  new  weekly  u  The 
Moravian." 

The  sixth  and  seventh  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  eighth  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Holland  moved  to 
amend,  by  inserting  "  financial"  before  "  condition.*'     Agreed  to. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  Whole  report  as  amended,  it  was 
adopted. 

The  final  resolution  of  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Church  Publica* 
tions"  being  under  consideration,  on  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  it  was  indefinite* 
ly  postponed. 

Br.  Goepp  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

u  Resolved,  that  the  Synod  recommend  to  the  P.  E.  C.  to  take  into 
consideration  the  publication  of  a  history  of  the  Brethren's 
Church/'     Adopted. 

On  motion  the  Synod  took  a  recess  of  fifteen  minutes. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wunderling,  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  the  Lot'* 
was  taken  up  for  consideration. 

18 


138  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  that  the  resolutions  of  said  report  be  taken  up  seriatimv 
Agreed  to. 

The  first  case  in  said  report  being  under  consideration,  (when  a  brother 
receives  a  call),  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  called  the  yeas  and  nays,  which 
resulted  as  follows  : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Bachman,  Barstow,  Bigler,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer, 
(Dover)  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenh.)  Blum,  Brown, 
Christ,  Clauder,  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Goepp,  Hagen,  Harvey,  Holland,  Jacob- 
son,  Kampmann,  Knauss,  Rummer,1  Lennert,  Masslich,  Micksch,  Oehler, 
Peisert,  Perkin,  Raueh,  Regenass,  Reinke,  (Litizj  Reinke,  (Staten  Island) 
Rice,  Schweinitz,  Seidel,  Shultz,  Troeger,  Tsehtidy,  Weinland,  Weiss, 
Wolle,  (Dover)  Wunderling. — 40 

ifdys.— Wcfae. 

The  resolution  was  accordingly  unanimously  adopted. 

The  second  case  ("  when  the  P.  E.  C.  when  making  appointments"  &c.) 
being  under  consideration,  Br.  Bigler  moved  to  amend  by  striking  it  out 
entirely. 

Br.  Block  offered  the  following  amendment  to  the  amendment : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  shall,  in  doubtful  cases  have  full  liberty,  as 
heretofore  to  use  the  lot  in  making  appointments,  the  directions  thus 
received  to  be  binding  upon  themselves  alone  ;  and  that  they  are  pro- 
hibited from  disclosing  their  action  in  this  respect  and  the  decision  ob- 
tained, to  any  person  whatsoever  until  the  matter  of  the  appointment 
shall  have  been  finally  settled.     Lost. 

Br.  Bigler  withdrew  his  amendment,  and  the  question  having  been  taken 
on  the  second  case,  it  was  adopted. 

Br.  Wunderling  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  lot  be  used  in  the  election  of  the  members  of  the  P. 
E.  U." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  resolution  was  postponed  indefinitely. 

Br.  Goepp  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  that  when  a  brother  or  sister  is  desirous  of  having  in 
their  private  affairs  a  decision  by  the  lot  iu  their  behalf,* the 
use  of  it  shall  be  allowed,  provided  the  P.  E.  C.  is  fully  sat- 
isfied of  the  advisability  of  the  request  made-  and  that  the 
lot  so  used  is  binding  on  the  individuals,  in  whose  behalf 
it  has  been  used.  Adopted. 
Br.  Shultz  moved  to  reconsider  the  second  case,  of  the  report  of  the 
"  Committee  on  the  use  of  the  Lot." 

On  the  question  of  reconsideration,  Br.  Schultz  called  the  yeas  and  nays, 
which  resulted  as  follows  : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Bachman,  Beckler,  Bigler,  Hagen,  Harvey,  Shultz, 
Wunderling. — 7. 

Nays. — The  brethren  Barstow,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  jr.,  (Dover)  Blick- 
ensderfer, (Sharon)  Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenh.)  Blum,  Brown,  Christ,  Clau- 
der, Eberman,  (Naz.)  Goepp,  Holland,  Jacobson,  Kampmann,  Knauss,  Rum- 
mer, Lennert,  Masslich,  Miksch,  Oehler,  Peisert,  Perkin,  Regenass,  Reinke, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  139 

(Stat.  Isl.)  Rice,  Schweinitz,  Seidel,  Troeger,  'Pschudy,  Weinland,  Weiss, 
Wolle  (Dover.)— 32. 

The  motion  of  reconsideration  was  accordingly  lost. 

Pending  the  discussion  on  the  introductory  part  of  the  report  before  the 
Synod,  on  motion,  the  Synod  adjourned  after  singing,  "  To  God,  the  Father, 
God  the  Son"  &c. 


TWENTY-EIGHTH  SESSION. 
2  p.  M. — 28  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Give  to  our  God  immortal  praise"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Kampmann. 

The  introductory  part  of  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  the  use  of  the 
Lot,"  being  before  the  Synod,  Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  preamble  and 
resolution  as  an  amendment  : 

We  do  not  design  to  assert  that  the  Savior  cannot  govern  his 
Church  without  the  Lot,  but  we  hold  that  the  use  of  it  de* 
mands  prudence,  conscientiousness  and  devout  affection  j  that 
it  must  never  be  applied  when  a  clear  declaration  of  Holy 
Writ  already  decides  the  point  in  question ;  and  that  those 
only  who  cast  it,  or  cause  it  to  be  used,  are  bound  by  its 
decisions,  therefore 

Resolved,  that  the  Lot  shall  be  used  in  the  following  cases  only  : 
(See  page  123  Report  of  the   "  Committee  on  the  use  of  the 
Lot.")     Agreed  to. 
The  introductory  part  as  amended,  was  accordingly  adopted. 
The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  whole  report,  it  was  adopted. 

Br.  Seidel  who  hitherto  has  had  the  care  of  the  Bookstore,  reported  accord- 
ing to  request,  as  follows  : 

Bethiehem  Book  Stoiie,  May  21s£,  1855, 


Liabilities  : 
Old  Inventory,                 $225  75 

Sundry  Creditors  : 
Sust.  Diacony,                    765  00 

Assets  i 
"  New  Inventory, 
Sundry  Creditors, 
Cash, 

Balance, 

$1446  37 

687  25 

76  30 

Unit.  Buchhandlung,         201  53 
Mallalieu,  London,              25  08 

$2219  93 

Balance,                            1002  57 

$1002  57 

$2219  93 

On  motion  of  Br.   Bleck  the  report  was  received  to  be  entered  on  the 
journal. 


140  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Hagen,  the  Synod  tendered  Br.  Seidel  a  vote  of  thanks 
for  his  faithful  labors  and  services  in  the  Bookstore,  and  also  as  a  member 
of  the  P.  E.  C. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Wunderling,  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Home- 
Missions"  was  taken  up,  when  after  considerable  discussion  as  to  the  Synod's 
right  of  forming  a  Constitution  for  the  Home-Mission  Society  at  Bethlehem, 
the  whole  report  was  recommitted  to  a  special  committee  of  five,  who  were 
instructed  to  report  by  to-morrow  morning. 

The  President  appointed  the  brethren  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  Bigler, 
Wolle,  Shultz  and  Perkin. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Schweinitz,  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Doctrine 
and  Ritual,"  was  taken  up  for  consideration. 

Sections  one,  two,  three  and  four  were  adopted. 

Section  five  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Wolle  (Dover)  moved  to 
strike  out  the  words  "  or  omit."  Agreed  to,  and  the  section  as  amended 
was  adopted. 

Sections  six,  seven,  eight,  nine,  ten  and  eleven,  were  adopted. 

Section  twelve  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  to 
strike  out  "  It  is  earnestly  recommended  that  all  our  congregations"  and  to 
insert,  "  All  our  congregations  are  hereby  instructed,  statedly"  &c.  Agreed 
to,  and  the  section  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Shultz  offered  the  following  resolution  to  be  appended  : 

u  Resolved,  that  this  Synod  instruct  the  ministers  of  our  various 
congregations,  on  no  account  to  suffer  any  other  Litany  to  be 
prayed  in  their  respective  churches,  except  their  own/' 

The  resolution  was,  after  some  consideration,  adopted. 

Br.  Eberman  (Naz.)  moved  a  reconsideration  of  the  vote  on  this  resolu- 
tion.    Agreed  to. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  its  indefinite  postponement. 

Br.  Shultz  called  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  above  question,  which  resulted 
as  follows  : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Bachman,  Brown,  Clauder,  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Jacob- 
son,  Oehler,  Perkin,  Regenass,  Reinke,  (Litiz)  Reinke,  (Stat.  Is.)  Rice, 
Schweinitz,  Shultz,  Troeger,  Wolle,  (Dover.) — 15. 

Nays. — The  brethren  Bigler,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  Blickensder- 
fer, (Sharon)  Blum,  Hagen,  Harvey,  Kampmann,  Knauss,  Kummer,  Len- 
nert,  Weiss,  Wolle,  (Bethl.)— 13. 

The  resolution  was  accordingly  adopted. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  that  the  Litany  be  prayed  every  Sunday. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  moved  to  amend,  "  that  when  the  Litany  is  used,  it 
be  prayed  in  connection  with  the  sermon."     Agreed  to. 

Sections  thirteen  and  fourteen  were  adopted. 

The  resolution  appended  to  the  report  as  follows,  was  adopted  : 
u  Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  in  connection  with  the  ministers  of 
Bethlehem  and  Nazareth,  be  instructed  to  prepare  for  early 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.         141 

publication,  an  epitome,  or  brief  exposition  of  the  principles 
of  Doctrine,  the  Constitution  and  discipline  of  the  Brethren's 
Church. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  whole  report  as  amended,  it  was 
adopted. 

On  motion,  Synod  adjourned  after  singing,  "  Sic  ©liafcc  frc$  Jjpcrrn  3>e|ll 
<X()lifr." 


TWENTY-NINTH  SESSION. 

Tuesday,  May  22d,  8  A.  m. — 29  members  present. 

Sung :  "  Be  present  with  thy  servants  Lord,"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Goepp. 

Minutes  of  yesterday's  Session,  read,  amended  and  approved. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  that  the  memorial  of  the  "  Committee  on  Constitution 
and  Church  Government"  to  the  U.  E.  C.  be  taken  up  for  consideration, 
but  withdrew  at  the  request  of  Br.  Bahnson,  who  reported  as  follows  from 
the  "  Committee  on  Foreign-Missions"  : 

Report  of  the  "  Committee  on-  Foreign-Missions." 
The  "  Committee  on  Foreign-Missions"  beg  leave  to  report  as  follows  : 
Your  committee  have  principally  taken  into  consideration  the  propriety  of 
establishing  new  mission-stations  among  the  heathen  Indian  tribes  of 
North  America.  In  common  with  their  brethren  of  the  Synod,  your 
committee  feel  an  earnest  desire  for  the  advancement  of  the  Savior's 
kingdom  upon  earth,  and  especially  upon  this  continent.  They  re- 
member the  zeal  and  efforts  of  their  forefathers,  and  would  not  forget 
the  example  set  them  by  those  labors  of  love  among  our  red  brethren 
of  the  forest.  They  are  pained  at  the  thought  that  the  apparently 
doomed  Indian  race  is  passing  away  so  rapidly. 
Your  committee  have  therefore  carefully  considered  the  subject  of  the  exten- 
sion of  missionary  work  among  the  Indians.  Difficulties  apparently 
insurmountable  seem  to  present  themselves  however,  in  view  of  which 
your  committee  report  the  following  as  the  result  of  their  deliberation  : 
Whereas,  in  the  present  disturbed  state  of  affairs  among  the  Indian  tribes 
in  this  country,  it  is  difficult  to  obtain  a  permanent  location  for  the 
missionaries  who  must  necessarily  reside  at  a  great  distance  from  home, 
in  view  further  ot  the  want  of  men  who  are  willing  to  take  their  lives 
in  hand,  to  devote  themselves  to  the  self-denying  work  of  evangelizing 
those  roving  tribes  ;  in  view,  further,  of  the  equally  great  destitution 
nearer  home,  and  the  importance  of  establishing  our  Home-Mission 
operations  upon  a  more  efficient  footing ;  in  view  further  of  the  doubt- 
ful propriety  of  expending  our  means  and  strength  upon  comparatively 
unprofitable  fields  of  labour  in  the  Indian  country,  whilst  new  and 
more  likely  spheres  of  usefulness  are  opening  nearer  home;  in  view, 
further,  of  the  fact  that  these  heathen  Indians  are  not  left  entirely  un- 
cared  for  by  Christian  brethren  of  other  denominations,  better  able  from 
their  numerical  superiority  to  sustain  distant  missionary  operations, 
therefore 


142         JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

"  Resolved,  that  the  Foreign-Mission  committee  recommend,  that  for  the 
present,  and  until  more  favorable  indications  present  themselves,  no 
new  mission-stations  among  the  Indians  be  commenced  ;  but  that  our 
efforts  be  concentrated  on  the  Home-Mission  work." 

"  Resolved,  that  the  mission  stations  now  in  operation,  be  however  upheld 
to  the  utmost  of  our  ability  ;  that  our  brethren  on  said  stations  be  en- 
couraged to  persevere  in  their  arduous  work;  that  they  be  aided  as 
heretofore  by  men  and  means,  in  as  far  as  the  Church  is  able  to  furnish 
them  ;  and  that  our  missionaries  be  instructed  to  labor  zealously  among 
their  white  brethren  also,  as  far  as  their  proper  Indian  missionary  work 
will  admit  of  such  effort. 

G.  F.  BAHNSON,  Chairman. 
A.  A.  REINKE,  Secretary. 

HENRY  BACHMAN, 
J.  H.  KUMMER, 
JOHN  REGENASS, 
S.  H.  CORTELYOU. 

On  motion  the  report  was  laid  on  the  table,  when  Br.  Bigler  renewed 
his  motion,  which  was  agreed  to,  and  Br.  Goepp  read  the  following  memo- 
rial in  the  German  language. 

Sin  btc  SBrtifccr  fcev  ttnttates  =  5JcItcften*  ©cmfercni  in  23cr* 
tl)e!$fcorf. 

2  i  e  b  e  n  05  r  u  b  e  r : 

&er  am  2ten  9)?a»  biefeg  %\\)xt*>  fyier 
in  Bethlehem  3ufammena,etretene  €unobu5  be?  nbrblicfyen  £>e$irfg  un* 
frer  s$ruber^ird)e  in  ben  'iBereinigten  etaaten  lea,t  £ud)  hiemit  eine 
9ieihe  son  nmfytam  33efcfyluffen  t>ot>  mit  ber  angelegentlictyen  fitter 
fciefelben  ernfHid)  unb  uor  ben  2(ua,en  be§  Xperrn  $u  prufen,  unb  mit  fo 
wenig  SSerjua,  als>  mbglicb  bicjenia,en  0d)ritte  ju  eramfen,  rcelcfye  bic 
5£id)tia,r'eit  berfelben  unb  tk  (Sonfritution  unfrer  Q3ruber?$ird)e  erfor* 
bern  mca,en. 

2>iefe  35efd)ltiffe  enthalten  n?tcl)tt^e  2Serdnberunam  in  bcr  bigheriam 
SSerfaffuna,  unfrer  ^rotnn^  mit  beren  Slusfubruna,  aud)  roefentlicfye 
QSerdnberungen  in  ber  £te(Iuna,  unferer  ^rouinj  $u  ber  ^rubersltnitdt 
in3  ©an(^e  notbwenbia,  uerbunbenfein  wiirben.  £gftnb  biefelben  uber* 
big  uon  ber  %xtr  bafj  fie,  rcenn  a,leid)  in  33e$ua,  auf  f^ieft^e  ^tjnobc 
felbfr  al§  Q5efd)luffe,  bod)  in  s^u^  auf  bie  35rubersUnitdt  itberfyaupt 
nur  al6  ber  UnitatSs^Cetrcftcns^cnferen^  unb  et>entuatiter  einem  a(Ia,e- 
meinen  <Swnobu§  Dorjulegenbe  "QSorfd>la^e  an$ufel)en  ftnb. 

§  168  beg  €t;ncbaU2SerlaffeS  »on  1848  entfydlt  s£efHmmuna,en, 
vocld^e  e^  §tx>etfelt>aft  madien  fonnten,  ob  bie  a^enrcdrtig  bier  t>erfam* 
melte  ^rooin^iaUe;t;nobe  uberhaupt  bered)ti^t  roarf  fo  rt>eit  (jehenbe 
SSorfcfyldge  $u  mad)en.  £>af,  roir  ung  baju  beredrtiget  glaubten,  be* 
roeifj  bie  Sfyat ;  unfre  ©riinbe  baju  roaren  in  fur^em  fola,enbe :  ^ixxit 
3(bfd)nitt  mad)t  eg  ber  ^rou.  <8«nobe  $ur  <))flid)t  alle  inneren  unb 
dufceren  flSerfydltniffe  unfrer  ^rouin^  grunblid)  in  (Srrodjjung  $u  neh* 
men.    $tefeg  ift  unmoa,licb,  a,eroefenf  ofyne  auf  bie  (Jrrodguna,  son  98or* 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  143 

fd)ldc)enf  dfyulid)  \vk  bit  (£ucfy  fyier  »orgelegten>  ein§ugetyeti,  $6enn 
biefes  nnrttid)  burd)  ben  le&ten  <©«$  jener  35ejrimniungen  r-erbeteu 
roar,  fe  ware  barin  Die  in  bem  erfren  Styeil  berfelben  au&gcfprod)ene 
QSetbinblidtfeit  $u  einer  Unmbglid)feit  gemad)t  roorben.  SM&  t'onnte 
tie  SSJteinung  bei  allgemeinen  £pnofcU0  nicbt  feiny  roeld)em  an  einer 
grunblidjen  £'rrodgung  aller  25erl)dltniffe  unfrer  ^>cotMn§  auf  einem 
^o&irt^afe^nobus  attes  gelegen  fein  mujs.  £nefe  lleberleaung  l>at 
une  ^u  tern  £ntfd)lujs  gebracfyt/  in  SSorfdildge  roie  bte  Mrliegenbcn 
ein§ug«t)en  unb  Dtefelben  in  $X'5ug  auf  uns  $u  Q3efcbliiffen  ju  crtyeben, 
urn  fie  (£uci)  ale  tion  unj  b  e  f  d)  I  o  f  f  e  n  e  23  o  r  f  d)  1  a  g  e  »or$aa 
legen. 

3nbem  roir  nun  ^u  ber  (Srldurewmg  bes  3  n  I)  a  1 1  e  §  biefer  t?or* 
gefd)lagenen  &efd)luffe  uber^el;enf  fo  nuinfcben  roir  §uer$  barauf  auf? 
merr'fam  $u  macben,  bajs  einige  berfelben  birccte  9Scrfd)ldge  ju  SSeraira 
dnberungen  mad)en,  anbere  nur  im  *2lllgemeinen  bie  2Uitl)oritdt,  in3u* 
funft  jraetfnidfige  iBerdnberungen  in  ber  SSerfaffung  unfrer  ^)roj)inj 
$u  mad)en,  unferen  ^rooinjiaU^noben  libertragen. 

£>ie  Urfacfye  tjierju  iff/  Baf,  ba  ber  gaflgc  @5ancj  ber  (£reigniffe  inun* 
ferm  2anD  tin  iiberaus  rafd)er  ijr,  wit  ee  nicbt  fiir  gerattyen  tyalten, 
fejre  §3ejrimmungeri  liber  bas  unabroeisiid)e  35ebiirfniJ3  l;inaus  ini  2Ser- 
au$  ju  mad)en. 

tlnb  mit  biefer  33tmerrung  fyabeu  roir  jtfgteidb  einen  ber  Qaupt* 
QSeroeggriinDe  ,$u  unferm  ganjen  QSerfatjren  in  biefer  93crfaffung^2Cn* 
gelegenfyeit  beriibrt.  3>n  ben'le$ren  ad)t  ^afyren,  ifei't  unfrer  prdparas 
rerifd)en  £t;nobe  uon  1847,  fyaben  fid)  in  unferer  Ijiepgen  ft'irdje  bic 
SSerfydltnifle  im  Vieufccren  unb  3>nrteren  fet>r  gednbert.  2>ie  jtetme  $u 
biefen  QSerdnberungen  roaren  fd)On  ucffyanben,  5.  53.  ber  2(nfang  ber 
2Cuffyebung  ber  Ortes®emeinen,  ba$  mctyr  erroadjte  2>ejrreben  nad) 
ftfydtigfeit  im  eigenen  Sanbe  u.  f.  vo.t  aber  nod)  nicbt  tyinldnglid)  ent* 
wi&ell,  urn  fd)'on  bamale  bnrcbgreifenbe  SSeranberurtgen  ber  QSerfaf* 
fung  notl)mtnbig  erfd)einen  §u  laffen.  2(ttdj  fann  nid)t  geldugner  tver* 
ben,  baf3  raiemoi  auf  ber  einen  £eite  ber  allgemeine  £t;nobus  uon 
1848  bie  SS.erantaffung  war,  in  rielen  @emutl)ern  ben  $Bunfd)  mit 
unferen  (i'uropdifd)en  sBrubern  mogltcfyft  innig  rerbuuben  ju  bleiben 
aufj>  mm  5U  beleben  unb  ju  ftarfen,  auf  ber  anbern  eeite  bed)  ami) 
biefer  ^i;nobue>  unb  beffen  iHefultate  eft  unwibcrfpred)lid)  aufS  neue 
flar  ^u  mad)en  fd)ienen,  bajj  ber@ang  ber  Swigniffe  unb  ber  %titd&t\ft  in 
ber  neuen  kii3elt  ,^u  Derfd)ieben  ifr  t>on  bem  in  ber  alten,  aB  tcifc  ein  fo 
inniges  Q3anb,  ah  bet  ®elegenl;eit  bi<U*  €t;nobu§  ale  tvirr'lid)  nod)er* 
ijtirenb  angenemmen  tvurbe,  fiir  Ik  2Birflid)t'eit  yiel  iSebeutung 
l)aben  r'onnte.  3)enn  nicbt  nur  i]x  ber  ©ang  ber  (Jreigniffe  l)ier 
unb  in  (Surepa  ein  fo  feljr  oerfd)iebener,  fonbern  bie  ©runblagen  ber 
SScrt)dltniffe  felbfr,-  namentlid)  in  Q5e§ug  auf  unfre  33ruber?^ird)e,  finb 
burd)au5  yerfd)ieben.  ^pier  ifi  unfre  ^ird)e  eine  felbftfrdnbige  ^ird)e, 
an  9ved)ten  rbllig  gleid)  mit  einer  jeben  anberen.  Cobalb  ale  wir 
un^  nicbt  ganj  auf  m\t>  felbji  etnfd)ranfcn,  fonbern  anfangen  mit  ben 


144  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

ubrigen  9J?enfd)en  urn  un§  r)er  in  geijtticfye  ^erufjrung  $u  fommctt> 
fommt  bicfcs  93erl)dltnif3  unuermeiblid)  $ur  eprad)e.  $3ir  miiffen, 
wit  tit  eadjen  jefct  jJe^cii,  ent\t>eber  $a\vs  aufgeben  eine  $ird)e  ju 
fein,  t>aj;  l;eif,t  nid)ts  anbers  fem  vuollen  ale  cine  ju  tjeroiffen  religiofen 
Sweden,  j.  05.  DJZiffione?  unto  (£rjjiel)una>3roecfen  $ufammena,etrete* 
ne  ©tfe#fd)aft>  ober  wir  miiffen  eine  mtrflify  ffircfye  fein,  fclbftffanbtgi- 
tn  2ofaU93erfydttniffen  anafctyanajgf  in  unferen  QSeroegujigen  nid)t  an 
Diegeln  unb  s})rin$ipien  gebunben,  roekbe  eigentlid)  berecbnet  ftnb  fur 
eine  religiofe  ©efellfd)aft;  roeld)e  in  ityrem  Sanbe  nur  eine  ecclesiola 
in  ecclesia  if}. 

£>a$u  fommt  nod)/  baf$  in  Q3e$ug  auf  unfer  ftinan^^Befen  feit  ber 
@»nobe  r>on  1847  bie  23erl)altniffe  fid)  gdn$lid)  umgeftaltet  fyaben* 
2Son  ^eiten  ber  aflgemetnen  ^wnobe  t*on  1843  roaren  geroiffe  ofonw 
mifd)e  ober  finan^iede  ©runb^rincipien  fejtgeftellt  rr>orben>  roeld)e 
nacb  ber  faff  einmutt)igen  Ueber(}eugung  ber  s]3rotMn(^iaU£miobe  t>ort 
1849  auf  unfre  SBer^ddtfiife  nid)t  anroenbbar  $u  fein  fd)einen. 

2lu6  alien  biefen  s£etrad)tungen  fotgt  nun  baft  uns  unb  <£ud)  nur  bie 
2£al)l  unter  jroei  Q3orfd)lagen  ubrig  bleibt ;  ndmlidv  (S  n  t  to  e  b  e  r 
bei  alien  Q3efd)luffen  ber  augefneinen  £i;noben  fail  eine  jebe  ber  allge* 
meinen  Diegeta  unfrer  SSerfaffuna,  unb  unfer?  firctjlidjen  SebenS  eine 
abroeidjenbe  unb  bie  juerfr  ausgefprod)ene  fafr  aufbebenbe  Qlaufel  l)in* 
jujufiigen  in  Q5e$ug  auf  bie  nmerifanifdjen  QSerljaltniffe ;  ober  eine 
folate  (linricfytung  $u  treffen  rote  tit  in  unferen  33efd)luf[en  »orgefd)la* 
gene,  roornad)  jpir  biefe  jDiegeln  in  unferen  ^mioben  un§  felbfr  befrims 
men.  2(uf  biefe  $3eife  roerben  btitt  $l;eile,  3br  forool  als  roir,  un- 
fre  9iegetn  bejiimmter  ausfprecfyen;  ben  llmftdnben  gemaj?  unb  jur 
red)ten  %tit  abdnbernr  unb  baburd)  urn  fo  frdftigcr  unb  in  ber  Xfyat 
ausfiiljrbar  mad)en  fbnnen.  Unfre  ejrecuttoe  2>el)orbe  mivl  nid)t  mebr 
jroen  r>erfd)iebenen  2lutt)crttdtcn  yerantmortlid)  fein  muffen,  ein  2Ser* 
bdlrnif,  roeUhe?  nid)t  nur  il)rc  2age  unangenetjm  madit,  fonbern  and) 
ifyre  £t;dtigf'eit  unyermeiblid)  in  t-ielen  fallen  lawmen  mujj. 

£)jefer  in  unferen ^efd)luffen  ausgefprocbene  ©runbfafe,  bafsndmlid) 
<p.  &.  &  nur  unfrer  €i;nobe  perantwortlid)  fein  foil,  iff  eigentlid) 
aud)  ber  ipauptgrunb  tDarum  rpir  e£  barauf  antragen/e  bafc  ber  %t>* 
minijlrator  nid)t  mel)r  ejr?officio  tin  $Ritc]lieb  ber  ^>.  %.  ($.  fei.  ^r^ 
al§  ron  U*  5(.  (5.  unmittelbar  ernannt^  rourbe  beiben  ^el)brben  per- 
antroortlid)  fein  miiffen.  O^act)  €i;nobat-^erlaf,  §  138  yon  1848 
ftel)t  ber  U.  %.  (E.  basi  9ved)t  $u  uber  einen  fold)en  QSorfcblag  ber  biefu 
gen  Spror-in^iaU£i;nobe  fofort  eine  (£ntfdx'ibuna,  §u  geben.  2Bir  r)a- 
ben  fur  ben  ^-all  ber  3uftimmung  ber  U.  5(.  £.  ^u  biefem  5Sorfd)lag 
in  unfrer  Ct)nobe  ein  britte^  93iitglieb  gerodl)lt>  roe(d)e§  alsbann  an 
tit  eteffe  be^  ^(bminiftrator§  ctntreten  rourbe.  £ie  ®at)t  ift  rtuf 
unfern  33r.  @oepp  mit  entfd)iebener  ^timmens^ebrbeit  unb  bd  ttt 
erfren  5(bfrimmung  gefallen,  unb  l;at  tit  Q$efrdticiunc'i  unfer§  litbtn 
fyvxn  burd)  bae  2oo5  erl;alten ;  fo  baf^  rcenn  U.  %.  \.  unfern  ;23or* 
fd)lag  in  ^ug  auf  biefe  QSerdnberung  ber  Crganifation  ber  ^).  5i.  S. 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  145 

fofort  genefymigen  fotlte,  roelcbee  unfern  ^fBunfd)en  gemdj;  fein  roiirbe, 
bod)  in  ben  s))erfonen  fur  je|t  nad)  menfcr/Iicfyer  2Uisftd)t  feine  QBerdn* 
berung  eintreten  roiirbe, 

Unfere  ubrjgen  $orfd)ldge  finb  r<cn  ber  2(rt>  bafc  fie  einer  aflgcmet* 
nen  eunobe  Dorgelegt  roerben  miiffen.  $)iefe  QSorfcbldge  finb  roid)tig 
unb  eingreifenb,  uno  \x>ert>cn  barum  einer  reijftd)en  Srrodgung  bebur* 
fen;  allein  fie  erfd)einen  une  roenigftenS  aud)  fel)r  bringenb.  Sine 
langere  ®er$ogertmg  in  bem  2tnpaffen  unfrer  leitenben  ©run bfd fee  $u 
ben  ueranberten  Umirdnben  unb  tdglicb  fortfdjreitenben  ©ang  ber  £r* 
eigniffe,  fann  nacb  unfrer  feinting  nur  nad)tl)eilig  fein,  bal)er  bitten 
roir  mit  aller  fd)ulbigen  2lcbtungf  aber  in  bem  pollen  QSeroufjtfein  ber 
2>ringlic!)feit  ber  <cad)tf  bit  lieben  Q3ruber  ber  It.  2C.  (E.  biefe  2(ngele- 
genl;etten  in  balbige  ernfflid)e  Ueberlegung  ^u  nefymen/  unb  ee  barauf 
an^utragen,  baj;  ein  allgemeiner  ^»jnobu§  ber  Q?ruberj.£ird)e  roentgs 
jrene  nicbt  fpdter  ale  im  %i\)t  1858  jufammen  berufen  roerbe. 

2Bir  tjegen  nicbt  ben  minbejren  Sroeifel  baf,  fo  lange  ale  une  biffeite 
unb  jenfeite  bee  Gaffers  Sin  $Bruber*®eijr  belebt,  roir  mit  ber  £iilfe 
bee  Xperrn  aud)  bi$  $u  einem  geroifjen  ©rab  in  dujjerlidjer  $erbinbung 
bleiben  f'ennen,  rodl)renbr  roenn  biefer  innerjre  ©eift  bei  une  ein  roirfs 
ltd)  uerfcbiebener  fern  follte,  a  lie  menfd)lid)en  18erfud)e  ein  duf,erlid)ee 
iBanb  aufred)t  ju  fyatten,  nicbt  nur  t>ergeblid>  fonbern  28erberben  brtn* 
genb  fein  roiirben, 

Se  roar  2lbrat)am,  roekber  bem  got  yorfcblug,  baf,  fie  tl;re  £eerben 
t>on  einanber  fd)ieben,  benn  fie  roaren  §u  grefj  roorben.  eie  fcbies 
ben  ale  ©ebruber,  unb  eben  barum  roeil  fie  ©ebruber  roaren,  unb  ale 
foUbe  in  ftreunbfcbaft  bleiben  roollten.  5£ir  Ijegen  nidit  ben  QBunfcb, 
bafc  unfere  ireerben  ficb  garij  trennen  mogen  :  fonbern  nur  fo  roeit  ale 
notfyroenbig  ifl>  bamit  btitt  gebeil)en  in  ibrer  2lrt  unb  auf  ifyrem  £an- 
be.  5Bir  roiinfiben  felbfr  gemeinfcbaftlicb  tt)dtig  «ju  fern  fo  roeit  ee 
mogtid)  ijr,  j.  03.  in  unferm  fcfronen  9$ifjioneV!H>erie :  voir  rounfdKn 
bafc  il)r  une  bti  unfern  ennoben  befudjet,  fo  roie  roir  bie  Surigen  be* 
fud)en  mod)ten  :  roir  boffen,  burcb  bie  @nabe  ©ottee^  auf  Sinem 
@runb  ber  2et)ref  bee  ©laubene  unb  ber  Xpojfnung  in  bleiben^  beffen 
Sdtl-ein  ifr  Sefu§  ^()ri|Tue  ber  ©efreujigtel  roir  l)offenrbaf,  aud)  nod) 
lange  ein  Q^ruber  ober  eine  ectroefter  roeldbe  ocn  une  ,^u  eucb  ober  t?on 
eucb  ,^u  une  fommen,  nicfyt  nur  ale  Q^ruber  unb  ale  vScbroeftern  in 
oclle  ©emeinfdiaft  roerben  aufgenommen  roerben,  fonbern  aud)/  bajs 
fie  fid)f  ,^umal  roae  bie  ftorm  unfrer  t)errtid)en  ©ottesbienjre  6«trifft> 
fo  oiel  ale  nur  bei  unt>ermeiblicbem  llnterfcbieb  ber  ^pracbe  unb  allge- 
memen  i'anbeefitte  immer  moglid)  iit  fofortf  ber  (Juropder  in  2Cmeri? 
fa  unb  ber  ^Xmerifaner  in  (Juropa,  ^eimat^lic^  fublen  mogen ! 

<&cblief3lid)  empfel)len  roir  une  Surer  sdterlidben  unt  bruberlid)en 
5*urbitte  r-or  unferm  lieben  Xperrn. 

£>er  in  $ietl)lebem  Derfammelte  ^rotM'n^al-*S«nobue  bee  norblid)en 
^Se,vrfe  ber  Q3riiber^ird)e  in  ben  9Ser.  €taaten  con  2(merira  unb  in 
beffen  D^amen  unb  5(uftrag. 
19 


146         JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

TO  THE  BRETHREN    OF   THE    UNITY'S   ELDERS'    CONFER- 
ENCE IN  BERTHELSDORF. 

Dear  Brethren  : 

The  Synod  of  the  northern  section  of  our  Brethren's  Church  in  the  United 
States,  in  Convention  met  on  the  second  day  of  May  in  this  year,  hereby 
submits  a  series  of  important  resolutions,  with  the  earnest  request,  that  the 
same  may  be  seriously  weighed  as  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  that 
with  the  least  possible  delay  such  measures  be  taken,  as  their  importance 
and  the  Constitution  of  our  Brethren's  Church  require. 

The  resolutions  involve  important  changes  in  the  existing  constitution  of 
our  Province,  and  which,  if  carried  into  effcet,  would  necessarily  be  attend- 
ed with  essential  changes  in  the  relationships  of  our  province  to  the  Breth- 
ren's Unity  in  general.  They  are,  moreover,  of  such  a  character,  that  while 
they  must  be  regarded  as  resolutions  adopted  by  the  Synod  here,  they  must 
nevertheless,  as  respects  the  Brethren's  Unity  at  large,  be  viewed  merely  as 
propositions  to  be  submitted  to  the  U.  E.  C.  and  eventually  to  a  General 
Synod. 

§  158  of  the  Synodal  results  of  1848  contains  such  directions  as  may 
render  it  doubtful,  whether  the  Synod  convened  here  at  the  present  time  is 
authorized  to  make  propositions  that  go  so  far.  That  we  believed  ourselves 
thus  authorized  is  however  shown  by  tbe  result;  our  arguments  were  as 
follows  :  Said  section  makes  it  the  duty  of  the  Provincial  Synod  to  take  into 
thorough  consideration  the  spiritual  and  temporal  condition  of  our  province. 
This  is  impossible,  without  entering  upon  the  consideration  of  propositions 
similar  to  those  now  submitted  to  you.  If  this  was  really  prohibited  by  the 
last  sentence  of  the  said  directions,  then  the  fulfillment  of  the  obligation  set 
forth  in  the  former  part  of  the  same  would  be  impracticable.  This  cannot 
have  been  the  design  of  the  General  Synod,  which  necessarily  regards  a 
thorough  investigation  of  all  the  relationships  of  our  province  as  all-import- 
ant. These  considerations  induced  us  to  entertain  the  propositions  present- 
ed, and  to  give  them  the  force  of  adopted  resolutions  as  respects  ourselves, 
in  order  to  submit  them  to  you  as  such. 

Passing  on  to  the  explanation  of  these  resolutions,  we  desire  first  to  invite 
attention  to  this  circumstance,  that  some  propositions  are  of  direct  change, 
while  others  are  only  general  in  character,  asking  the  transfer  to  our  Pro- 
vincial Synod  of  the  authority,  hereafter  to  make  such  changes  in  the  con- 
stitution of  our  province,  as  may  be  deemed  proper. 

The  reason  for  asking  this  is,  that,  inasmuch  as  the  entire  course  of  events 
in  our  country  is  very  rapidly  progressive,  we  do  not  think  it  advisable  to 
establish  fixed  regulations  beyond  the  demand  of  unavoidable  necessity. 

In  making  this  remark,  we  have  at  the  same  time  touched  upon  one  of 
the  principal  motives  for  our  entire  action  in  constitutional  matter.  During 
the  past  eight  years,  since  our  preparatory  Synod  of  1847,  the  interior  and 
exterior  relationships  in  our  Church  in  this  country  have  undergone  great 
changes.  The  germs  of  these  changes  then  already  existed;  for  instance, 
one  so  called  place-congregation  had  ceased  to  exist,  a  more  strongly  elicited 
desire  for  home-mission  labor  manifested  itself.  But  these  germs  were  not 
sufficiently  developed  to  call  for  radical  changes  in  the  constitution. 

And  it  cannot  be  denied,  that,  although  on  the  one  hand,  the  General 
Synod  of  1848  was  the  occasion  of  enlivening  and  strengthening  the  desire 
in  m  any  minds  to    continue  most  intimately  connected  with  our  European 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.         147 

Brethren,  nevertheless,  on  the  other  hand,  that  same  Synod  and  its  results 
have  unquestionably  again  shown  clearly,  that  the  course  of  events  in  the 
new  world  varies  too  much  from  that  of  the  old,  to  permit  so  close  a  union, 
as  was  supposed  by  that  Synod  to  exist,  to  be  a  true  expression  of  the 
reality.  For  not  only  is  the  course  of  events  here  very  different  from  that 
in  Europe,  but  even  the  groundwork  of  the  relationships,  in  respect  to  our 
Brethren's  Church,  is  very  different.  Here  our  church  is  a  self-dependent 
church,  having  full,  equal  rights  with  every  other.  As  soon  as,  ceasing  to 
confine  ourselves  within  the  narrowly  circumscribed  limits,  we  come  into 
spiritual  contact  with  mankind  about  us,  this  relationship  unavoidably  pre- 
sents itself.  We  must,  under  existing  circumstances,  either  cease  to  be  a 
church,  i.  e.,  not  desire  to  be  anything  more  than  an  association  united  for 
certain  religious  purposes,  such  as  missionary  or  educational  purposes  ;  or, 
we  must  be  a  church  in  reality,  self-dependent,  in  local  matters  independent, 
untrammeled  in  our  movements  by  rules  and  principles,  calculated  for  a  relig* 
ious  society  that  is  only  an  ecclesiola  in  ecclesia  ;  and  to  this  is  to  be  added 
that  in  reference   to   our   financial   affairs,  things  have,  since  the  Synod  of 

1847,  undergone  an   entire   change.     On   the  part  of  the  General  Synod  of 

1848,  certain  economical  or  financial  principles  were  established,  which,  ac- 
cording to  the  almost  unanimous  conviction  of  the  Provincial  Synod  of  1849 
were  inapplicable  to  our  circumstances.  From  all  these  considerations,  it 
follows,  that  there  remains  to  us  and  you,  the  choice  of  two  propositions 
only,  viz :  either  to  append  to  all  resolutions  of  the  Synods,  in  reference  to 
the  general  rules  of  our  association  and  of  our  church,  a  clause,  which,  as  re- 
spects American  affairs,  shall  embrace  a  departure  from  or  almost  nullifica- 
tion of  the  sentiments  first  expressed  ;  or,  to  make  an  arrangement  like 
that  proposed  in  our  propositions,  by  which  we  may  determine  such  laws  for 
ourselves. 

In  this  wise  both  parties,  you  as  well  as  we,  will  be  able  to  make  our 
laws  more  definite ;  alter  them  according  to  circumstances  and  in  proper 
season,  and  thereby  render  them  more  effective  and  really  practicable. 

Our  Executive  Board  will  no  longer  be  held  responsible  to  two  different 
authorities,  a  relationship,  which  not  only  renders  their  position  unpleasant, 
but  must  unavoidably,  in  many  cases,  paralyze  their  energy. 

The  principle  set  forth  in  our  resolutions,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  shall  be  held 
responsible  to  our  Synod  only,  is,  in  reality,  the  chief  reason  why  we  claim, 
that  the  Administator  shall  no  longer  be  ex-officio  a  member  of  the  P.  E.  C. 
For  inasmuch  as  he  is  oppointed  directly  by  the  U.  E.  C,  he  is  necessarily 
responsible  to  both  authorities.  According  to  §  138  of  the  Synodal  results 
of  1848  the  U.  E.  C.  has  the  power  forthwith  to  pass  upon  such  a  proposi- 
tion on  the  part  of  this  Provincial  Synod. 

We  have  elected  a  third  member  in  our  Synod,  who  would  enter  in  place 
of  the  Administrator,  in  case  the  U.  E.  C.  assents  to  our  proposition.  The 
choice  fell  upon  our  brother  Goepp,  with  a  decided  majority  and  upon  the 
first  ballot,  and  received  the  confirmation  of  the  Lord  by  means  of  the  lot,  so 
that,should  the  U.  E.  C.  forthwith  assent  to  our  proposition  of  a  change  in 
the  organization  of  our  P.  E.  C.  in  accordance  with  our  wishes,  no  change 
would  ensue  as  respects  persons,  at  least  not  for  the  present. 

The  remainder  of  our  propositions  are  of  such  a  character  as  to  require 
them  to  be  submitted  to  a  General  Synod.  They  are  weighty  and  farreach- 
ing,  and  will  therefore  require  grave  consideration  ;  but  at  least  they  appear 
to  us  to  be  very  pressing.  A  protracted  delay  in  accomodating  our  leading 
principles  to  the  change  of  circumstances  and  daily  progress  of  events,  can, 


148         JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

in  our  opinion,  only  be  injurious;  hence,  with  all  due  respect,  but  with  full 
consciousness  of  the  urgency  of  the  case,  we  entreat  the  beloved  Breth- 
ren of  the  U.  E.  C.  to  take  these  matters  into  early  and  serious  consideration, 
and  to  take  measures  to  convene  a  General  Synod  of  the  Brethren's  Church 
ho  later  than  the  year  1858. 

We  entertain  not  the  least  doubt,  that  so  long  as  one  spirit  of  brotherhood 
animates  us  on  both  sides  of  the  ocean,  we  may  to  a  certain  extent  continue 
to  maintain  an  external  connection,  whereas,  should  this  spirit  become  es- 
sentially different,  all  human  attempts  to  maintain  an  external  tie  would 
not  only  prove  fruitless,  but  be  productive  of  pernicious  effects. 

It  was  Abraham  who  proposed  to  Lot,  that  they  should  part  their  herds, 
because  they  had  become  too  numerous.  They  parted  as  brethren,  because 
they  were  brethren,  and  as  such  desired  to  continue  on  friendly  terms.  We 
do  not  entertain  the  wish  that  our  flocks  should  become  entirely  separated ; 
but  only  so  far  as  is  necessary,  to  enable  both  to  prosper  after  their  own 
manner  and  on  their  own  soil.  We  desire  even  to  be  conjointly  active  as 
far  as  may  be  possible,  f.  i.,  in  our  noble  mission-work.  We  desire  that  you 
may  be  present  with  us  at  our  Synods,  as  we  desire  to  be  present  at  yours  ; 
we  hope,  by  the  grace  of  God,  to  rest  upon  the  same  foundation  of  doctrine 
of  faith  and  hope,  whose  cornerstone  is  Jesus  Christ,  the  crucified  I  we  hope 
that  for  a  long  time  to  come,  a  brother  or  a  sister,  who  may  pass  from  us  to 
you,  or  from  you  to  us,  may  not  only  be  received  as  a  brother  and  sister 
in  full  communion,  but  also,  that  the  European  in  America  and  the  Amer- 
ican in  Europe,  as  respects  the  form  of  our  beautiful  church  services,  as  far  as 
may  be  possible  under  the  unavoidable  circumstances  of  the  difference  of  lan- 
guage and  general  customs  of  the  country,  they  may  feel  themselves  at 
home. 

Finally,  we  commend  ourselves  to  your  fatherly  and  brotherly  intercession 
before  the  Lord. 

The  Provincial  Synod  of  the  Northern  Section  of  the  United  Brethren's 
Church,  in  the  United  States  of  North  America,  in  session  at  Bethlehem, 
and  in  their  name  and  by  their  order. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  that  the  English  translation  be  read. 

After  some  conversation  it  was  agreed  to  dispense  with  the  reading  of 
the  same. 

Br.  Shultz  prefaced  his  remarks  on  the  following  resolution,  by  stating 
his  dissent  from  the  memorial : 

"Resolved,  to  insert  after  the  word  "  23ant>"  (in  the  memorial)  the  words  : 
"  namcntltct)  in  23c$ug  auf  £o£at*33crl)a(tmflfe." 

On  which  question  Br.  Shultz  called  the  yeas  and  nays,  which  resulted 
as  follows  : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Kampmann,  Lennert,  Masslich, 
Oehler,  Shultz,  Weinland,  Wolle,  (Dover.)— 8. 

Nays. — The  brethren  Bigler,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  Blickensder^ 
fer,  (Sharon)  Blickensderfer,  (Gnadenhuetten)  Goepp,  Hagen,  Harvey,  Hoi 
land,  Knauss,  Peisert,  Perkin,  Reinke,  (Litiz)  Reinke,  (Stat.  Isd.)  Rice 
Schweinitz,  Troeger,  Weiss. — 18. 

The  amendment  was  accordingly  lost. 

Br.  Shultz  offered  the  following  resolution  : 


JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.         149 

"  Resolved,  to  strike   out  all   (in  the  Memorial)  beginning  with  the  words : 
"  (£$  wax voir  rounfcfycn  fclbft,"  and  insert  the  following: 

"  2Btr  frcjwccfcn  nidjf  c$  attf  cine  gew  aft  fame  $00rctgung  ten  frcr 
&rtfccr«Umtat  a  [  g  folder  anjutragen  ;  im  ©cgcnttycil  tvunfdjcn  xo'xt 
g  c  in  c  i  n  (dj  aft  r  i  ct>  n.  f.  to."  v.  Memorial. 

Br.  "Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  divide  the  question.     Agreed  to. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  striking  out,  in  was  lost. 

Br.  Holland  moved  that  the  report  be  adopted  by  general  consent. 

Br.  Shultz  called  the  yeas  and  nays  on  striking  out,  which  resulted  as 
follows : 

Yeas. — The  brethren  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  Eberman,  (Naz.)  Harvey, 
Kampmann,  Kummer,  Lennert,  Masslich,  Oehler,  Shultz,  Wolle,  (Dover) 
Wolle,  (Bethl.)— 11. 

Nays. — The  brethren  Bigler,  Bleck,  Blickensderfer,  (Dover)  Blickensder- 
fer, (Gnadenhuetten)  Goepp,  Hagen,  Holland,  Knauss,  Peisert,  Perkin, 
Reinke,  (Litiz)  Reinke,  (Stat.  Ild.)  Rice,  Schweinitz,  Troeger,  Weinland, 
Weiss. — 17. 

Br.  Holland  resumed  his  motion  of  adoption,  which  was  agreed  to. 

Br.  Bleck  moved  that  the  Memorial  be  signed  by  the  President  and  attest- 
ed by  the  Secretary.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  offered  the  following  resolution : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  English  translation  of  the  memorial  to  the  U. 
E.  C.  be  revised  by  the  members  of  the  committee  who  draft- 
ed the  original,  that  this  revised  translation  be  entered  on 
the  journal. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  to  amend  by  adding,  "  as  well  as  the 
original."     Accepted. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion  the  Synod  took  a  recess  of  ten  minutes. 

On  resuming  business,  the  "  Special  Committee  of  five  on  Home-Missions" 
reported  as  follows,  through  Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon) : 

Special  Committee  of  five  on  Home  Missions. 

The  select  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  entire  matter  cf 
Home  Missions,  report  the  following  resolutions  for  the  adoption 
of  the  Synod. 

"Resolved,  1.  That  there  be  organized  a  "Home  Mission  Board " 
to  whom  shall  be  entrusted  the  entire  management  of  Home- 
Missions,  including  the  appointment  of  the  Home-Missionar- 
ies and  the  expenditure  of  all  funds  appropriated  in  aid 
of  the  Home-Mission  cause  by  the  Church  or  contributed 
by  societies  or  individuals. 


150         JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

2.  That  the  "  Home  Mission  Board  "  shall  consist  of  the  existing 

members  of  the  Provincial  Elders' Conference  and  eight  other 
persons  to  be  elected  by  each  Synod,  not  less  than  three  of 
wh:<m  shall  be  residents  of  Bethlehem.  Said  Board  shall 
have  power  to  fill  vacancies  in  its  own  body. 

3.  That  the  "Home  Mission  Board"  may  organize  in  any  manner 

it  may  deem  proper  by  appointing  such  officers  or  agents, 
and  adopting  such  rules  and  regulations  for  its  own  gov- 
ernment, as  well  as  for  the  government  of  the  Missionaries 
as  it  may  deem  expedient. 

4.  That  the  "  Home  Mission  Board"  be  authorized  and  required 

to  appoint  a  Home  Missionary  for  any  society  which  shall 
provide  to  the  satisfaction  of  said  board  the  necessary  means 
for  the  support  of  such  Home  Missionary. 

5.  Any  number  of  persons  may,  with  the  written  consent  of  the 

"  Home  Mission  Board,"  and  under  such  rules  and  regula- 
tions as  said  Board  shall  prescribe,  organize  themselves  into 
a  "Moravian  Home  Missionary  Congregation"  the  members 
of  which  shall  be  considered  members  of  the  Brethren's 
Church. 

6.  That  when  a  "  Home  Missionary  Congregation"  shall  possess 

a  sufficient  church  edifice  free  from  debt,  and  can  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Home  Mission  Board,  adequately  support  a 
minister  and  church  establishment,  such  congregation  shall 
be  received  along  with  its  pastor  (provided  he  shall  have 
served  not  less  than  six  years)  into  the  general  body  of  the 
church,  form  part  and  parcel  thereof  and  enjoy  all  the 
privileges  and  immunities  provided  for  and  enjoyed  by  oth- 
er and  older  congregations  and  ministers  according  to  the 
constitution  of  the  Church. 

J.  BLICKENSDERFER, 

Chairman. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  that  the  report  be  received  and  its  resolutions  be  taken 
Up  for  consideration  seriatim.     Agreed  to. 

The  first  resolution  was  adopted. 

The  second  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Blickensderfer 
(Sharon)  moved  to  amend  by  inserting  "  not  less  than"  before  three,  which 
was  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Hagen,  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  third,  fourth  and  fifth  resolutions  were  adopted. 

The  sixth  and  last  resolution  being  under  consideration,  Br.  Bigler, 
moved  to  fill  the  blank  with  the  figure  6,  Br.  Clauder,  with  the  figure  10 
and  Br.  Bleck  with  the  figure  5. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  figure  10,  it  was  lost. 


/ 

JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  151 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  figure  6,  it  was  carried. 

After  considerable  discussion,  the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bigler,  the  whole  report  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  offered  the  following  resolution: 

"  Resolved,  that  nothing  contained  in  any  of  the  resolutions  which 
have  been  adopted  on  the  subject  of  Home-missions,  shall  be 
so  construed  as  to  prevent  the  appropriation  of  $500  per  an- 
num, in  aid  of  Home-missions,  out  of  the  income  of  the  Sus- 
tentation-fund." 

On  motion  of  Br.  Bleck,  the  resolution  was  adopted. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  the  Synod  go  into  election  of  the  eight  members  of 
the  Home-Mission  board,  this  afternoon,  immediately  after  the  opening  of  the 
session.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Luckenbach  offered  the  following  resolution  ■ 

"  Resolved,  that  the  next  Synod  of  the  Northern  Province  of  the  Brethren's 
Church,  be  held  at  Litiz,  Pa." 

On  motion,  the  resolution  was  laid  on  the  table. 

Br.  Clauder  moved  to  take  up  the  petition  from  the  Enon  congregation. 
Agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  it  was  referred  to  the  P.  E.  C. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  that  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  superintend  the 
printing  of  the  Journal.     Agreed  to. 

The  brethren  Jacobson,  Bleck  and  the  Secretary  were  appointed  said  com- 
mittee. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Sharon)  moved  that  the  Synod  adjourn  until  to-mor- 
row forenoon  sine  die.     Agreed  to. 

On  motion  Synod  adjourned  after  singing : 

"25ic  £trd)c  £hriftt  tic  cr  gcwctbt,"  jc. 


THIRTIETH  SESSION. 

2  p.  m. — 38  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  His  goodness  and  his  mercies  all,"  &c. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Bahnson. 

Synod  went  into  the  election  of  the  eight  members  of  the  "  Home  Mis- 
sion Board." 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  that  nominations  be  made.     Lost. 

The  President  appointed  the  brethren   Bleck  and  Tschudy  tellers  of  the 
election. 

Synod  proceeded  to  ballot.     On  counting  the  votes  it  appeared  that  twen- 
ty-seven votes  had  been  cast,  of  which 


152  JOURNAL  OP  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD. 

Br.  Seidel  received  22  Br.  Holland  received  17 

Br.  Wolle  (Beth.)    "     18  Br.  Bigler         "  15 

Br.  Francis  Wolle  14 

These  brethren  having  a  majority  of  all  the  votes,  were  declared  to  be  du- 
ly elected.  After  some  conversation,  the  brethren  Shultz,  Clark  and  Fred. 
Wilhelm  of  Philadelphia,  were  declared  members  without  opposition. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  offered  the  following  resolution: 

"Resolved,  that  the  Secretary  of  this  Synod  be  allowed  the  sum  of dol- 
lars ior  his  services  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Sustentation-Fund,  in  case  the 
contributions  towards  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  Synod,  should  prove 
insufficient." 

Br.  Luckeubach  moved  to  fill  the  blank  with  the  figure  40,  Br.  Schweinitz, 
with  the  figure  50.     Agreed  to. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethlehem)  called  up  the  last  clause  of  resolution  four,  part 
first  of  Report  of-  "  Committee  on  Education," — and  that  steps  be  taken  to 
have  the  same  incorporated  by  act  of  Legislature,  as  soon  as  possible. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  "  by  Act  of  Legislature." 
Agreed  to. 

Br.  Goep  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  P,  E.  C.  be  instructed  to  make  a  draft  of  an  act  of  in- 
corporation, which  shall  be  laid  before  the  next  "  Provincial  Synod," 
(but  that  the  P.  E.  C.  shall  nevertheless  be  authorized  to  take  definite 
action  in  the  matter  in  case  of  urgent  necessity.) 

Br.  Luckenbach  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  the  last  clause  "but  that 
the  P.  E.  C."  etc.     Accepted,  and  the  resolution  as  amended,  was  adopted. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethl.)  offered  the  following  resolutions: 

"  Resolved,  that  a  committee,  consisting  of  five  members,  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  Synod,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  seek  to  pro- 
cure funds  for  the  advancement  of  the  College." 

"  Resolved,  that  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  establish 
rules  for  the  government  of  the  College.     Adopted. 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  be,  and  are  hereby  requested  to  give 
a  name  to  said  College,  and  that  they  are  further  requested  in 
naming  it,  to  pay  due  attention  to  the  Will  of  the  late  God- 
frey Haga,  and  if  necessary  to  procure  legal  advice,  so  th'at 
the  legacy  left  by  the  same,  be  not  prejudiced,  but  may  be  left 
to  be  enjoyed  by  said  College,  or  by  a  class  of  Preparands  in 
the  same."     Adopted. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethlehem)  moved  that  the  delegates  of  the  different  congre- 
gations proceed  to  nominate  members  for  the  Committee  of  five  on  College 
funds. — Agreed  to. 

The  Bethlehem  delegation  nominated  Br.  S.  Wolle. 


Journal  of  tfie  provincial  syno&.  151 

The  ministers  of  New  York,  Brooklyn  and  Staten  Island  nominated  Br. 
Clarke. 

The  Philadelphia  delegation  nominated  Br.  Alexander  B.  Renshaw. 

Br.  Clauder,  in  behalf  of  the  western  congregations,  nominated  Br.  Blick- 
ensderfer.  (Sharon.) 

Br.  Blickensderfer  (Dover)  moved  to  strike  out  the  name  of  the  brother  for 
the  West,  and  insert  Br.  Tschudy,  for  Litiz,  Lancaster  and  York. — Agreed  to. 

Br.  Hagen  moved  to  nominate  Br.  Emil  Schweinitz  for  Salem. — Agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  these  live  brethren  were  appointed  said  commit- 
tee by  acclamation. 

Synod  proceeded  to  elect  the  committee  of  three  on  rules  "  for  the  College." 
The  brethren  S.  Wolle,  Bleck  and  Schweinitz  were  nominated. 

On  motion  of  Br.Hagen,  these  three  brethren  were  appointed  by  acclamation. 

Br.  Luckenbach's  motion  made  in  the  morning  session  wan  taken  up,  but 
was  lost. 

Br.  Blickensderfer,  (Sharon)  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

u  Resolved,  that  the  next  Provincial  Synod  meet  at  Bethlehem  un 
the  first  Wednesday  of  May,  A.  D.  1858,  unless  the  P.  E. 
C.  should  convene  the  same. at  an  earlier  day,  which  they 
are  hereby  empowered  to  do,  if  in  their  opinion  circum- 
stances should  require  it. 

Br.  Schweinitz  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  May  and  inserting  Juno. 

Br.  Bigler  moved  to  amend  the  amendment  by  substituting  the  third  Wed- 
nesday in  May. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  Br.  Bigler's  amendment,     it  was  lost. 

The         "         •'  "         "     "     Br.  Schweinitz's    "  "     "     " 

The         "         "  "  "  original  motion,     it  was  carried. 

On  motion  of  Br.  Goepp,  the  report  of  the  "  Committee  on  Foreign  Mis- 
sions" was  taken  up  for  consideration,  when  after  some  discussion,  it  was, 
on  motion  of  Br.  Luckenbach,  referred  to  the  P.  E.  C. 

Br.  Bahnson,  in  behalf  of  the  P.  H.  C.  of  Wachovia,  proposed  that  the 
Illinois  Mission  Field  be  transferred  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Northern 
province. 

Br.  Hagen  moved  that  this  proposition  of  transferring  be  referred  to  th« 
Home  Mission  Board.     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethlehem)  moved  that  our  home  missionaries  be  invited  to 
attend  our  next  Provincial  Synod  as  advisory  members. 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend  "  that  the  P.  E.  C.  be  authorized  to  invite  the 
Home  Missionaries  as  advisory  members,  if  they  see  fit."  Accepted,  and 
the  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Wolle  (Bethlehem)  offered  the  following  resolution  : 
"  Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  cause  to  be  published  in  the  Miscellany  a  state- 
ment of  the  Synodal  fund,  and  an  account  of  the   cost   of  holding  the 
present  Provincial  Synod. 
'   20 


154  .lOURXAL  OF  THE  3'ROVTNCIAL  SYXOt). 

Er.  Bleck  offered  the  following  amendment : 

"Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  cause  to  be  printed  and  distributed  among  the 
several  congregations,  a  detailed  statement  of  the  receipts  and  expendi- 
tures of  the  present  Provincial  Synod. 

The  question  having  been  taken  on  the  amendment,  it  was  agreed  to,  and 
the  resolution  as  amended,  was  adopted. 

Br.  Goepp  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  that  our  Boarding  Schools  at  Bethlehem  and  Litiz  contribute 
each  '$'100  towards  the  defraying  of  the  expenses  of  the  present  Pro- 
vincial Synod.     Lost. 

Br.  Oehler's  resolution,  laid  on   the  table  in  the  eighth  session  was  taken 
lip,  and  on  motion  of  Br.  Schvveinitz  it  was  postponed  indefinitely. 

On  leave  Br.  Bjgler  arose,  and  after  a  few  remarks  in  reference  to  the  ap- 
proaching close  of  the  present  Synod  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  the  Synod  are  due,  and  that  they 
be  hereby  unanimously  tendered  to  the  members  of  the 
congregation  at  Bethlehem,  for  the  kind  and  generous  hos- 
pitality extended  to  them  during  their  protracted  sojourn 
among  them.     Adopted. 

Br.  Weiss,  for  the  Bethlehem  delegation,  replied,  and  on  motion  Synod 
adjourned,  after  singing 

4<  Oh  !  Lord  lift  up  thy  countenance,"  &c. 

THIRTY-FIRST  SESSION. 

Wednesday,  May  23d,  8  A.  M. — 42  members  present. 

Sung  :  "  Grace  and  peace  from  God,  our  blessed  Saviour."  &o. 

Prayer  by  Br.  Schweinitz. 

Texts  of  the  day  read.  Minutes  of  yesterday's  session  read,  amended  and 
approved. 

3r.  Shultz  offered  the  following  resolution  : 

' '  Resolved,  that  the  President  of  this  Provincial  Synod,  be  re- 
quested in  the  name  of  the  same,  to  respond  to  the  broth- 
erly salutation,  addressed  by  the  !\  E.  C.  to  tliifc  Syn^l." 
Adopted- 

Br.  Bahnson  expressedTiis  gratification  in  having  been  present  at  the  do- 
liberations  of  this  Synod,  and  entertained  the  hope  that  a  brother  from  the 
JVurthern  Province  wouhi  be  delegated  to  attend  the  nex;t  Provincial  Synod 
of  Wachovia,  when  Biv  Goepp  moved,  that  Synod  appoint  a  delegate  for  thi- 
ne xt  Provincial  Synod  of  said  Province. 

Br.  Tsehudy, moved  to  amend  as  follows: 

**■  Thatt  Synod  dircct"P.  E.  C.  to  appoint  a  delegate  for  the  next  Provincial 
Svnod  of  Wachovia,  which  delegate  shall  have  been  a  member  of  tKis  Synod." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  SYNOD.  155 

The  amendment  was  accepted,  and  the  motion  as  amended  was  agreed  to. 

Br.  Bleck  offered  the  following  resolution: 

"  Resolved,  that copies  of  the  Journal  of  the  Synod  be  printed  in  pamph- 
let form  for  distribution,  and  that  the  P.  E.  C.  be  authorized  to  collect 
and  publish  in  convenient  pamphlet  form,  separate  from  the  Journal  not 
less  than copies  of  the  resolutions  of  the  present  Synod,  properly  ar- 
ranged under  different  heads." 

Br.  Goepp  moved  to  amend,  by  inserting  "  not  less  than"  before  the  word 
"  copies."     Agreed  to. 

Br.  Blickensdcrfer,  (Sharon)  moved  to  fill  the  first  blank  with  three  hun- 
dred.    Agreed  to. 

Br.  Blickensdcrfer,  (Sharon)  moved  to  fill  the  second  blank  with  five  hun- 
dred.    Agreed  to. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

Br.  Shultz  offered  the  following  resolution : 

"  Resolved,  that  the  P.  E.  C.  be  requested  to  cause  to  be  ordained  Presbyters . 
all  such  brethren,  as  have  been  engaged  in  the  ministry  of  our  branch 
of  the  church  for  ten  years  or  upwards." 

Br.  Hagen  moved  to  amend,  by  striking  out  ten  and  insert  six.  Accepted. 

The  resolution  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  deliberations  of  the  Synod  having  terminated,  the  President  arose  and 
addressed  the  members  in  some  pertinent  remarks — reviewing  the  proceed- 
ings of  its  sessions  and  pointing  more  especially  to  the  important  change  in 
the  government  of  the  American  Church  therein  proposed. 

A  fervent  prayer  was  then  offered  to  the  Throne  of  Grace  by  Br.  Peter 
Wolle,  after  which  the  voices  of  the  brethren  united  for  the  last  time  in 
singing,  while  their  hearts  responded  in  unison  to  the  sentiments  of  the  fol- 
lowing hymns : 

"Let  not  your  hearts  be  faint,"  &c. 

"  x)l  cr  fclcib  tins  cingefcruett,"  tu  f.  ». 

"  We  who  here  together  are  assembled,"  &c. 

During  the  singing  of  the  last  verse,  the  hand  of  fellowship  was  extended. 

Br.  Jacobson  pronounced  [Jthe  apostolic  benediction,  and  the  Provincial 
Synod  of  1855,  of  the  Northern  Province  of  the  United  Brethren's  Church 
in  North  America,  adjourned  sine  die. 


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